Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received correspondence from various groups concerned regarding possible health problems arising from pylons, masts or other fixtures; if he has evaluated the information and international, scientific and medical evidence he has received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33526/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has received correspondence from various groups in this matter. An Interdepartmental Committee on the Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields was established in September 2005. The work of this committee is at an advanced stage in its consideration of the policy issues regarding any potential health effects, if any, of non-ionising radiation. An Expert Group of independent national and international scientific and medical experts, commissioned by the Interdepartmental Committee, is currently reviewing international scientific and medical evidence and expects to submit its finalised report to the Interdepartmental Committee shortly.

The Expert Group invited submissions in order to consult the views of the public. This process was initiated on the 2nd December 2005 with an advertisement in the national papers and with letters sent to local authorities, Government departments and agencies, political parties, interested groups and individuals. Written submissions were received from individuals, local authorities, the industry and concerned citizens groups. The Expert Group met with representatives of some of these in February 2006, where further clarification was sought by the Expert Group regarding the issues faced from an Irish perspective.

The Interdepartmental Committee expects to finalise its recommendations and report to the Government before the end of the year.