Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 20 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 4

Other Questions. - Electromagnetic Radiation.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

15 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the court ruling reported in a Spanish newspaper (details supplied) on 20 May 2000 which recognises that the electromagnetic fields of a transformer can be harmful to health resulting in compensation being paid by an electricity company (details supplied) to a family from Murcia, Spain; and the implications such a policy ruling will have for Government policy here where electromagnetic radiation is concerned. [17295/00]

Mrs. O'Rourke

While my Department is generally aware of the court case in Spain referred to in the question, I could not comment with authority until the details are obtained and translated. I will communicate with the Deputy when I have more information at my disposal.

Mr. Sargent

I will supply the Minister with a translation of the court proceedings. This is the first example of electromagnetic pollution in a citizen's home being recognised and acted on by a court. Will the Minister consider the implications the case has for legislation in this area? Other countries, such as Australia, lay lines carry ing high voltages along underground utility corridors. Will the Minister examine such an idea to avoid problems which, although already in existence, will become worse in future, given that our energy demands are increasing at 6% per year?

Mrs. O'Rourke

We have some information about the court case. A family which lived close to a transformer station was awarded compensation of $3,200. The electricity company was also ordered to reduce the magnetic field. We do not have sufficient details about the units of measurement and the exposure levels to comment further but I will procure that information and write to the Deputy about it.

Transformer stations are indispensable components of the electricity generation structure. In Ireland they are designed to comply with guidelines issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Production. The magnetic fields generated by substations are much weaker than the levels contained in the guidelines.

Mr. Deasy

I asked a question about the same subject on 24 February. The reply stated that there was no conclusive scientific or medical evidence to prove any connection between electromagnetic fields associated with power lines and ill health. As someone qualified in the area, I have always felt there is a health risk. When does the Minister expect the Department and the EU, which is monitoring the issue, to reach a conclusion on the subject?

Mrs. O'Rourke

I cannot say when there will be a decision but I will ask the Department to check with Europe on its findings. I do not know the levels involved in the Spanish case, but I will communicate with the Deputies when I find out more.

Mr. Stagg

Will the Minister assure the House that the level of non-ionising radiation emitted by power lines, transformers, power stations and telephone masts conforms with or falls below the level stipulated in international guidelines and does not present any risk or danger to public health?

Mrs. O'Rourke

Transformation stations in Ireland are designed to comply with the guidelines issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection. The magnetic fields generated by sub-stations are substantially lower than the levels set down in the guidelines in respect of such fields.

Mr. Sargent

Does the Minister accept that the guidelines are not written on tablets of stone and that, in light of new scientific evidences, they may be subject to revision? Given that Spain is an EU member state and is obliged to operate under guidelines similar to those under which Ireland operates, does the Minister agree that there is a need to review the guidelines governing the dis tance transformers may be situated from homes and public facilities and that it is her Department's responsibility to carry out such a review? How long would it take to carry out the review to which I refer?

Mrs. O'Rourke

Is the Deputy referring to the EU ruling?

Mr. Sargent

Yes. Has the Minister considered the implications of the decision of the Spanish court and has she received any information which indicates that there is a need to review existing guidelines?

Mrs. O'Rourke

Dr. McManus, an official in my Department, is studying this matter and attempting to obtain further information in respect of it before submitting a report to me. As stated in an earlier reply to Deputy Deasy, the EU is reviewing this matter. When we are in possession of all the information pertaining to the decision of the Spanish court, my officials will take the matter up with the EU officials who are carrying out the review to which I refer. I will communicate with the Deputies who expressed an interest in this matter at that stage.