Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

Planning issues are a matter for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and local authorities. In my previous position as Minister in that Department I introduced planning guidelines which, if I recall correctly, take the location of schools into account in siting mobile telephone masts. While I do not have a major problem, decisions in this regard are not my responsibility but a matter for local authorities. I understand some local authorities have adopted a policy of refusing permission to erect any mobile telephone masts.

The original Stewart report advocated taking a precautionary approach on the location of telephone masts in the vicinity of schools. I have never had a problem with this approach. I do not decide on planning matters in this area. It is a matter for the local authority or relevant Department. I receive advice from officials involved with various international bodies, including the World Health Organisation, and base it on their scientific data and reports.

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