Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Finance the information he has in relation to the health effects of the communication mast, which is proposed to be installed at a Garda station (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38127/08]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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A new telecommunications mast has been installed at the Garda Station in Co. Kildare referred to by the Deputy. There are no commercial operators currently licensed to install equipment on the mast. However, two mobile phone operators have applied to do so.

Before any mobile phone operator is allowed to install equipment on any State Property, they are required to enter into a licence agreement with the Commissioners of Public Works.

Under the terms of the licence agreement, in regard to any possible effects on health the operators are obliged to install and operate all equipment within current standards and E.U. regulations, including Health and Safety regulations, and adhere to the guidelines on exposure limits to emissions, issued by the International Commission on Non — Ionizing Radiation Protection, (ICNIRP). In addition, the Commissioners monitor all such developments to ensure that compliance with the regulations is achieved from the outset. Monitoring continues during the term of the licence agreement.

The compliance with Health and Safety legislation etc., required under the Licence Agreement, also applies to any future relevant legislation / regulations and ICNIRP guidelines.