Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 560: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the maximum electric field value in volts per meter allowed if a mobile phone transmitter is located in a place where people may be found. [15346/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The issue of potential health effects of mobile phone masts was comprehensively covered by the Expert Group Report published by Government in March 2007 entitled "Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields", which is available for download from my Department's website (www.environ.ie/en/publications/). Mobile phone transmitters found in Ireland comply with the ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection) exposure limits that have been recommended by the European Commission to its Member States and they provide science-based exposure limits that are applicable to both public and occupational exposure from RF and ELF fields. They also provide sound guidance on limiting exposure from mobile phones and masts The following public exposure limit values apply: 1.GSM (900 MHz): 41.25 volts/metre 2.DCS (1 800 MHz): 58.33 volts/metre 3.UMTS (2 100 MHz): 61 volts/metre.

Surveys have indicated that total exposure from base stations in public areas are typically a few thousandths of the ICNIRP limit.