Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if there are any major health concerns regarding mobile phone masts, ESA pylons or ESB sub-stations backing on to residential areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17216/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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My responsibility as regards health issues of mobile phone masts, electricity pylons and sub-stations relates solely to the electromagnetic fields emanating from these facilities. My Department maintains a watching scientific brief in this regard and there is no scientific or medical evidence that electromagnetic fields from such installations, below the level of internationally recognised guidelines, are injurious to health.

Ireland has adopted the guidelines established by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection and participates in the work of the International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety which sets standards in this area. These bodies continually review the relevant research, and periodically meet to decide whether or not the guidelines continue to be appropriate in light of the most up-to-date reports.