John Crown (Independent)

Given that I am a cancer expert, I feel obliged to say a few words in discussing a potential carcinogenesis. I was impressed with Senators' grasp of the confusing scientific literature. Obviously, people have thought this through and I want to reassure them by saying the medical profession is as confused as any other. The data are not clear that there is a risk. There is a sound first principles reason for believing there might be a risk, but that risk has not yet been completely proved or validated. Does that mean it is likely there is something that has not yet been discovered? We are not sure. Is it possible the conflict is based on the interests of those conducting the studies? That is unlikely. There have been several independent studies by highly reputable international research organisations which have not come out in favour of there being a risk. In general in medicine, when many studies are conducted and the risk is not clear cut, the general consensus is that there possibly is no risk or if there is, it is small, but we do not know.

At this stage, we should say what we know - that mobile phones emit radiation and that radiation in the appropriate circumstances can cause health problems. The bare minimum position should be that a nuanced health warning should be put on mobile phones in order that when parents buy them for their children, they fully understand there is an implicit responsibility in giving such a phone to a child or teenager because there is a possible health risk and the appropriate level of caution should be exercised.

Like my colleagues on this side of the House, I believe this is a non-controversial issue and the motion should be passed. If the Seanad is to have credibility as anything other than a talking shop, we should have moved quickly to have this nuanced, minimalist legislation passed. If it is not to be passed, I urge the Government to introduce legislation to put an appropriately nuanced advisory warning on mobile phones and in the literature that goes with them to tell consumers that radiation is emitted by mobile phones and that it has not yet been completely established that it is safe.