Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the report produced by the Joint Committee for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in relation to the location of mobile telephone masts or antennae and the use of mobile telephone handsets has been authenticated by the IMO; if he will implement all or part of the recommendations contained therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11466/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 156 together.

Any authentication by the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) of the report, "Non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts", published in June 2005 by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is a matter for the two bodies.

The Inter-departmental Committee on the Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF), established in September 2005, has reported to the Government after considering the recommendations contained in the above report.

The Committee was guided by the science-based advice provided by the Expert Group, established by the Committee, who concluded that: "So far no adverse short or long-term health effects have been found from exposure to the radiofrequency (RF) signals produced by mobile phones and base station transmitters. RF signals have not been found to cause cancer."

The Government has decided that the current responsibilities of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in relation to the health effects of EMF will become the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government from 1st May 2007. Furthermore, the Government decided that a single State agency be established to deal both with ionising radiation and non-ionising radiation. This will be achieved by extending the statutory powers of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) to include responsibility for matters relating to non-ionising radiation. The details of implementation of the new mandate for the RPII, in particular the powers and functions and the resources necessary to deliver the extended functions, will be presented to Government for approval in due course by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, following detailed consultation with other relevant Government Departments and agencies.

Government has also agreed to establish a national research programme to undertake further scientific research in Ireland on the health effects of exposure to EMF. This research programme will build expertise in Ireland and contribute to global knowledge. The siting of phone masts is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.