Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
404 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the concerns of the NRPB regarding possible adverse effects on health were fully considered by the Garda medical director before a decision was made to introduce the TETRA communications system; if the investigation or study under way by the Police Federation of England and Wales was also considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30959/04]
View answerThe RPII, Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, formally known as NRPB, is the statutory body tasked with ensuring compliance with standards relating to ionising radiation as distinct from non-ionising radiation. Non-ionising radiation is regulated by ComReg, the Commission for Telecommunications Regulations.
An independent engineering company was commissioned by the Garda Síochána to carry out a survey of electromagnetic field strengths on a number of masts; to review human health issues as they pertain to non-ionising radiation; to study research carried out by various groups including IEGMP, Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones — Stuart report, DSTL, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, and Imperial College London, which carries out research on behalf of the Home Office, UK; and to report findings to the Garda medical director.
The Garda medical director is satisfied that the best scientific evidence shows that if exposures to non-ionising radiation are kept within International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection, ICNIRP, guidelines, there is no threat to human health.
