I propose to take Questions Nos. 404 and 405 together.
Information on the number of telecommunications masts or antennae which have been granted planning permission by local authorities is not available in my Department. Such information would be held by each individual planning authority in its planning register. Neither does my Department have information regarding masts or antennae which are exempted development and therefore did not require planning permission. My Department published guidelines for planning authorities on telecommunications antennae and support structure in July 1996. The guidelines were issued to assist planning authorities, An Bord Pleanála, operators of mobile telecommunications services and the general public by providing guidance on dealing with telecommunications antennae and support structures within the planning system.