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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 3

Written Answers. - Mobile Telephony.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

285 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the research available to him in relation to the health risks associated with the use of mobile phones and living, working and studying in the vicinity of mobile phone masts; his policy on these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11966/03]

My Department actively monitors research in this area. The European Union, through its COST, Co-operation on Science and Technology, research initiatives, and WHO, World Health Organisation, through its international EMF project are among the major sponsors and co-ordinators of health related research activity in the field of mobile telephony. Ireland participates fully in all relevant European Union, COST and WHO committees, contributing financially and providing expertise.

The recommendation of the Council of Health Ministers of 12 July 1999, which Ireland fully supported and which continues to reflect the best consensus of available scientific findings, sets out limits for public exposure to non-ionising radiation from mobile phones and phone masts. Such non-ionising radiation emissions from mobile phones marketed in Ireland and from base station masts are well within these limits. The latter are measured on a sample basis by the communications regulator under its ongoing compliance procedures. This year the communications regulator will be monitoring some 400 base stations to ensure their compliance with EU limit values. This represents over 10% of the total number of masts in the country and is a monitoring commitment that compares favourably with anywhere in Europe.

I also have pleasure in announcing that this week I am hosting an international conference where 100 invited scientists and experts from across Europe will meet to discuss the issue "Mobile Base Stations and Health". This meeting is part of Ireland's contribution to the EU's COST Action 281 which sponsors and co-ordinates research on the potential health implications from mobile communications systems.

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