Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2010
624 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views of the dangers presented by electromagnetic fields; the standards applying where such is presented in a community by State, semi-State or private interests; the requirements of bodies to notify people living within a given radius of the presence and dangers involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12526/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of potential health effects of mobile phone masts was comprehensively covered by the Expert Group Report entitled Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields published by Government in March 2007.
The Expert Group Report examined a wide range of issues in relation to the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields, including those produced by mobile phone base stations. It answers many of the health risk questions raised by the public in relation to the potential effects of electromagnetic fields. The Report and its recommendations were accepted by the Government and form the basis for current policy in this area.
The majority scientific opinion is that to date no adverse short or long term effects have been demonstrated from exposure to electromagnetic fields at levels below the limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). However, a minority group of scientists believe otherwise and extensive international research continues to be coordinated through bodies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO). This research is co-funded by the Irish Government.
The ICNIRP Guidelines on exposure limits have been recommended by the European Commission to its Member States and are applied here in Ireland as part of the standard licensing conditions set down by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) for the telecommunications industry. The results from the emission measurements commissioned by ComReg at 750 sites to date have shown compliance with the ICNIRP Guidelines with values that were typically hundreds of times below the limits.
My Department's current advice to those living in close proximity to mobile phone base stations, based on the conclusions of the Expert Group Report, is that there is no scientific basis for, or evidence of, adverse health effects in children or adults as a result of exposure to electromagnetic fields. This applies irrespective of the location of the phone mast.
