Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
909. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has any concerns regarding health implications of smart meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37709/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraInformation in relation to the roll out of Smart Meters is publically available on the website, of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) www.cer.ie. I have no function in relation to the roll out of smart meters.
The issue of the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields was the subject of an Expert Group Report commissioned by the Government and published in March 2007. This Report, entitled Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, which considered issues such as digital signals, microwaves and mobile phone masts, is available for download on my Department’s website (www.environ.ie). The Expert Group reported that the majority scientific opinion was that 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). Extensive international research on the issue continues to be coordinated through bodies such as the World Health Organization.
My Department will continue to monitor this and other scientific evidence as it is made available, and will consider any policy implications in this context.
