Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2004
179 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether some persons with sensitive dispositions are suffering from multiple health problems from phone mast emissions; if his attention has been drawn to the number of persons suffering in this way; and if he has plans to take measures to protect persons so effected. [18563/04]
View answerI am aware of concerns expressed by some persons in regard to hyper-sensitivity to electromagnetic radiation from phone masts. The Irish Electromagnetic Radiation Victims Network, IERVN, is an organisation representing their interests. My Department corresponds with IERVN on an ongoing basis and my officials have also met with its representatives. Scientific research to date has not established a causal relationship between electromagnetic radiation and ill health. Research is ongoing in this area and my Department will continue to review the findings of all new peer-reviewed studies.
In the absence of evidence of a causal relationship between electromagnetic radiation and ill-health, the approach adopted in Ireland is to minimise exposure in accordance with the 1999 recommendations of the European Community on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields. These recommendations are based on the 1998 guidelines of the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation, ICNIRP, covering the frequency range from 0-300 GHz. Telecommunications companies licensed to operate in Ireland are required to comply with these recommendations.
The monitoring of emission levels from masts is a function of the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation. My Department is in regular contact with the office of the chief technical advisor in the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources which represents Ireland's interests in the relevant international organisations — the World Health Organisation, the EU and the International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety.
