Communications Masts.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2006

Tuesday, 5 December 2006

Questions (316)

Pat Breen

Question:

344 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the interdepartmental committee on the health effects of electromagnetic fields is expected to report on the potential health effects of mobile phone masts; if, in the context of that report, the recommendation of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in May 2005 that planning guidelines and planning exemptions be examined in order that no masts giving off radiation would be permitted near such places as health centres, schools, playgrounds and pitches will be taken into consideration; if the research carried out by the Organisation for Applied Scientific Research in the Netherlands in September 2003 which found that phone masts for 3G mobile phones caused headaches and nausea will be taken into consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41163/06]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The Expert Group on Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, established by the Inter-Departmental Committee to provide science-based advice, will shortly finalise their report. This report will provide a review of the most up to date international expert consensus of the totality of the scientific evidence available. The Inter-Departmental Committee will then complete their consideration of the Expert Group's report and will provide advice to Government on the appropriate action to be taken on foot of the recommendations contained in the report of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, published in June 2005.