Vol. 501 No. 2
318 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if his Department has employers' liability insurance to cover irradiation of staff issued with mobile phones in view of the findings of the effects from low intensity exposures in the Vienna EMF resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5644/99]
319 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if his Department has public liability insurance which covers irradiation of staff and the general public from any mobile phone transmitters located on State property in view of the fact that, if the operating company ceases to exist, the liability may default to the landowner and in further view of the findings of the effects from low intensity exposures of the Vienna EMF resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5660/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 318 and 319 together.
In accordance with the provisions of public financial procedures my Department does not have employers or public liability insurance. Furthermore, my Department has no property in its ownership.
Finally, I would draw the attention of the Deputy to a reply to a Dáil Question dated 27 January 1999 – Question No. 222, Ref 1581/99 – regarding the Vienna EMF Resolution, in which the Minister for Public Enterprise indicates the claim that the effects from low intensity exposures are scientifically established has proved to be controversial among the scientific community as the bulk of research on the issue of non-ionising radiation has not shown any such link.
