Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)

The country is facing a huge financial loss that would make the Army deafness claims seem like a drop in the ocean. ComReg, the communications regulator, has confirmed to me that there is no requirement on mobile phone companies to indemnify the Government against losses caused by the potential health effects of mobile phones and mobile phone masts. This is particularly concerning because so many mobile phone masts are located on OPW land, Garda stations and hospitals. Lloyd's of London, which can assess any possible risk, refused to insure mobile phone companies against the potentially damaging health effects of mobile phones and mobile phone masts. If Lloyd's of London is not prepared to insure mobile phone companies the Government should require mobile phone companies to indemnify it against any potential class action suits. Employers could find themselves in trouble if employees develop cancer and brain tumours due to the use of mobile phones; the Association of British Insurers said as much in a recent report. I ask the Leader to ensure that the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources implements the recommendations of the report and sees that the Government is not held liable for the actions of mobile phone companies.