Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 3: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the recommendations in the report (details supplied) published in January 2005 by Britain's National Radiological Protection Board regarding the positioning of mobile telephone masts near schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8395/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The National Radiological Protection Board in January 2005 published the report, Mobile Phones and Health 2004, to provide further advice to address remaining public concerns in the United Kingdom about mobile telephone technology as well as related technological developments. It also reviews progress on implementing the recommendations in the Stewart report published in 2000.

The report states in general that the board believes the main conclusions reached in the Stewart report still apply and a precautionary approach, that is, where there are uncertainties about the associated risks of using mobile telephone technologies, should continue to be adopted; in the absence of new scientific evidence the recommendation in the Stewart report on limiting the use of mobile telephones by children remains appropriate as a precautionary measure; and measurements made by the NRPB demonstrate that there is no scientific basis for establishing minimal distances between base stations and areas of public occupancy, as has been suggested in some countries.

Other than referring to the recommendations of the Stewart report of 2000, the report does not make a specific recommendation on the positioning of mobile telephone masts near schools. The article referred to, which featured in the Irish Independent on 12 January 2005, appears to refer to comments made by the chairman of the NRPB, Sir William Stewart, during an interview to mark the launch of the report.

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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As the Minister will agree, the Stewart report of 2000 specifically stated in one of its main recommendations that planning should be extra cautious around schools as children are more susceptible to the effects of radiation and will be exposed to more radiation over their lifetime than adults. The most recent report to which the Minister referred stated that this recommendation holds, a point emphasised by the chairman of the board of the National Radiological Protection Board in Britain when questioned about it, as noted in an article in the Irish Independent.

The issue on which I am again attempting to get clarity from the Minister, having tried to do so several months ago, is whether it is advisable, given the limited research available and the views of some leading experts, to have mobile telephone masts located close to schools. Does he agree that this question is of considerable concern to parents of schoolchildren? In 2000 the report of the independent expert group in Britain, the Stewart report, recommended taking a precautionary approach and locating mobile telephone masts at a distance from schools. The Minister, in a reply to a parliamentary question in December last year, suggested that more recent studies removed any validity the recommendation of the Stewart report may have had. However, the latest report by the National Radiological Protection Board restates the position taken in the Stewart report and advises a precautionary approach.

Who is advising the Minister? Which leading experts are dictating his approach? Why will he not get to grips with a basic question as to whether, in light of the views of some of the leading experts, mobile telephone masts should be located near schools? Prohibiting masts from the vicinity of schools would not cost the State money or impose significant difficulties as it is a simple planning matter. What is the Minister's problem with the view of leading experts that masts should not be located near schools? Will he clarify his position because the response his advisers drew up to my question in November last year has been shown to be grossly inaccurate and without foundation?

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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What is the Minister's policy on this issue? In July 1996 guidelines for planning authorities on telecommunications antennae were issued. They stated that free-standing masts should only be located in a residential area or beside schools as a last resort. However, many masts are located across the roads from schools throughout Dublin city and other cities, particularly in the Dublin Central constituency. These guidelines are simply advisory. There is a lack of policy.

While I accept planning is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has direct responsibility for all issues arising from telecommunications and mobile telephony masts. The Minister rubbished the findings of the Stewart report in a reply to Question No. 97 on 8 December 2004. In it he stated there was no validity in the recommendations that masts be located away from schools. Will the Minister correct the record and accept the validity of the case I have made, backed up by the latest expert report available?

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I do not have the benefit of having the response to that parliamentary question with me. If I recall correctly, Deputy Gregory insinuated that the Stewart report stated that no mast should be put anywhere near a school. My reply would have been based on that. If my recollection is wrong, I will correct the record. The siting of telecommunications masts is a matter for the planning authorities, not for me as Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.