Vol. 483 No. 2
19 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the investigations, if any, being conducted, or which have been commissioned, by his Department into the possible health dangers posed by use of mobile phones; and if no such steps have been taken, the steps, if any, he proposes to take to consider this issue. [15779/97]
30 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the investigations, if any, being conducted by his Department or which have been commissioned into the possible health dangers posed by use of mobile phones; and if no such steps have been taken, the steps, if any, he proposes to take to consider this issue. [19862/97]
41 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children the investigations, if any, being conducted by his Department or which have been commissioned into the possible health dangers posed by use of mobile phones; and if no such steps have been taken, the steps, if any, he proposes to take to consider this issue. [15780/97]
84 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Health and Children the investigations, if any, being conducted by his Department or which have been commissioned into the possible health dangers posed by use of mobile phones; and if no such steps have been taken, the steps, if any, he proposes to take to consider this issue. [19829/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 30, 41 and 84 together.
I am aware that there is some public concern about possible adverse health effects from exposure to radiation emissions from telecommunication masts associated with mobile phone systems. All significant research in this area is monitored by the Department of Public Enterprise with which my Department liaises regarding the human health aspects. The general body of scientific evidence to date has not established a definite link between this form of radiation and ill-health.
Telecommunications companies operating here are licensed by the Department of Public Enterprise. Companies are required to operate within emission limits set by the International Radiation Protection Association in 1988. These limits were re-examined last year by the Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection using criteria produced by the World Health Organisation. The commission endorsed the IRPA levels. Measurements taken here show that exposure levels are well within the recommended safety levels.
The Office of Director of Telecommunications Regulation was established earlier this year by the Minister for Public Enterprise. Its function is to ensure that licensed operators of telecommunications systems comply with all the conditions of their licence, including emission standards. Emissions are to be monitored on a regular and nationwide basis.
Early next year my Department will co-sponsor with the Department of Public Enterprise a conference on health issues and the telecommunications infrastructure.
