Vol. 444 No. 6
183 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the public is not satisfied that the IRPA guidelines protect the health of individuals in view of recent evidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
186 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the human immune system is affected by electromagnetic radiation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
187 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that cataracts are caused by electromagnetic fields below the IRPA guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
188 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, on the basis of all available expert knowledge, the 1988 IRPA limits do not protect the health of the Irish people; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 183, 186, 187 and 188 together.
I am aware of concerns expressed regarding the possible adverse health effects of electromagnetic radiation. All significant research and studies in this area are monitored on an ongoing basis by the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications. However, the general body of research to date has not established electromagnetic radiation emissions as a cause of ill-health. The Department of Transport, Energy and Communications has also pointed out that power line voltages in Ireland and concentrations of power lines which emit this radiation are well below those in most industrialised countries. The guidelines laid down by the International Radiation Protection Association are based on the most expert knowledge available.
