Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

Almost every night a public meeting is held in a parochial hall somewhere in the country regarding fears about planning applications for telephone masts and other communications equipment. We must live in the real world and agree that from an industrial and communications perspective ongoing progress and development must take place. However, many local communities are scared because of a lack of information and confusion surrounding risks posed by this equipment to the health of their families and children. These masts are erected near schools, community facilities and housing estates.

We need a national debate and national regulations. Local authorities appear to approach planning applications for such equipment in varying fashions. We should have a streamlined national system which would allow progress to continue but which would also ensure the serious questions asked by citizens are addressed and answered fully and transparently. Will the Leader arrange that the appropriate Minister will come to the House and debate planning for communications equipment? It is an important issue which causes a great deal of concern. It must be addressed at national level.