Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 319: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason mobile phone companies have been allowed to place microwave transmitters on buildings in Huntstown west Dublin, metres from a primary school. [30421/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, communications masts are generally required to obtain planning permission. The Planning and Development Regulations 2001 set out certain exemptions in this area. These include, subject to certain conditions, the attachment of additional antennae to an existing antenna support structure, the erection of an antenna support structure in place of an existing antenna support structure and the attachment of antennae to certain existing structures, such as telegraph poles, electricity pylons and certain public or commercial buildings. These Regulations were the subject of extensive debate in the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment and Local Government, and were subsequently approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Report on Non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts (June 2005) recommended, inter alia, that planning guidelines and planning exemptions be examined with a view to ensuring that no 'electromagnetic emissions' or 'radio frequency emissions' emitting equipment be permitted to be sited near health centres, schools or other sensitive sites such as playgrounds or pitches, etc.

On receipt the report of the Joint Committee, the Government, in September 2005, approved the establishment of an inter-departmental advisory committee and an expert group, working to the committee, on the health effects of electromagnetic fields. This Department is represented on the committee. The work of the committee and expert group is in train and I understand that their report is expected to be made to the Government by the end 2006, following which the Government will address appropriate action.