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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 4

Written Answers. - Communications Masts.

Michael Bell

Ceist:

284 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, there are to carry out a survey into the health risk and concern in relation to the erection of mobile phone masts close to centres of population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18287/98]

I have no immediate plans to carry out a survey of the kind referred to by the Deputy. Research and studies in the area of electromagnetic radiation are carried out by bodies like the World Health Organisation, the International Radiation Protection Association and the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection. I am advised that the general body of scientific evidence to date has not established substantive evidence of any adverse health effects from electromagnetic fields generated by mobile phone masts.

The Council of Health Ministers is currently preparing a recommendation on the subject of public exposure to electromagnetic fields. This recommendation, if adopted, will establish a European wide standard which each member state will apply to its own country. The measure as currently drafted provides inter alia for a system of on-going monitoring of the ambient exposure of the public to electromagnetic fields from all sources, including mobile phone masts.

Ireland supports this measure and I will make a further statement on the matter when the European measure has been finalised. The Deputy should note also that approval for the siting and erection of telecommunications masts is the responsibility of the local planning authorities.

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