Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern. I urge him to give consideration to amending the appropriate Planning and Development Act to ensure that we would have in place clear and understandable guidelines to govern the erection of mobile telephone masts.

As a user of a mobile telephone, I would be the first to concede that with all other mobile telephone users I require a good mobile phone service and I demand good quality reception. As part of that equation it is necessary that mobile telephone masts be erected. We have now reached the stage where there are approximately 4,000 masts of various types around the country. I am concerned about the location of some masts. For example, I am concerned about masts being placed close to or adjoining schools, large housing estates and other community facilities. My concerns stems from the fact that notwithstanding all the international studies that are under way, we still have no clear proof regarding the health implications of mobile telephone masts. While those concerns are being examined and the jury is still out, we must be careful to ensure masts are only erected in areas where we can be confidently assured that they pose no threat to the health of citizens.

One of the issues that concerns me is that the various local authorities seem to have their own rules for the erection of mobile telephone masts. What is considered appropriate in one area, therefore, might be considered inappropriate in another. In a country as small as this, we need a national standard for adjudications on the proposed installations of masts. Our colleagues on the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources have made certain recommendations in this regard. In particular, they demand that rules and regulations be established in regard to the erection of masts and the monitoring of emissions.

Arising from the joint committee's report, the Government set up an interdepartmental advisory committee to examine this issue. I understand this committee has been in place since September 2005. We need results from the committee and, subsequently, action from the Government. In the meantime, while the advisory committee is making further investigations and arriving at some conclusion, no further permissions should be granted for the erection of masts in any location.

In many communities, applications have already been lodged for the erection of telephone masts. Many parents have expressed serious concerns about the health implications of such installations. We do not yet have all the answers and we must proceed with care and caution. The Minister of State is aware of the precautionary principle that operates at European level. This provides that where there is any doubt, one should proceed with great caution. While the Government awaits the report of its interdepartmental advisory committee, we should put a halt to any further planning decisions.

I recognise the need for telecommunications standards and infrastructure of the highest quality. We must, however, be cautious in regard to where these telephone masts are placed. In the case of applications for the erection of masts close to or adjoining schools, community centres, sports fields and large housing estates, the amber light at least must start flashing. I ask the Minister of State to take this issue on board. Given that the interdepartmental committee has been examining this issue since last September, he must ensure it produces a report and that action is taken. We must be able to provide satisfactory answers to the many communities throughout the country who are concerned about this situation.