Skip to main content
Normal View

Electromagnetic Fields Studies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014

Tuesday, 1 July 2014

Questions (320)

Brian Stanley

Question:

320. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if studies have been conducted regarding the possible emission of microwave radiation from smart meters; and if he is satisfied that they present no danger to householders. [28092/14]

View answer

Written answers

Information in relation to the roll out of Smart Meters is publicly available on the website of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), www.cer.ie. I have no function in relation to the roll - out of smart meters.

The issue of the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields was the subject of an Expert Group Report commissioned by the Government and published in March 2007. This Report, entitled Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, is available for download on my Department’s website at: http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/Environment/EnvironmentalRadiation/.

My Department is currently commissioning a study on international developments in non-ionising radiation (NIR) and electromagnetic fields (EMF) research since the publication of the 2007 Report. The study will also examine how the issue of NIR/EMF is dealt with in other jurisdictions. A number of national and international experts were invited to submit proposals to undertake this work and I expect that a contract will be awarded in the coming weeks, with a view to completing the study later this year.

The results of this study will be used by a Steering Committee, convened and chaired by my Department, to make specific proposals relating to the future management of these matters including, inter alia, any consequent legislative amendments and provision of appropriate technical expertise and associated resources.

Top
Share