Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 154: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to a query (details supplied). [25304/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 on the Department's website, www.environ.ie/en/publications.

The Expert Group Report examined a wide range of issues in relation to the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields, including those produced by mobile phone base stations. It answers many of the health risk questions raised by the public in relation to the potential effects of electromagnetic fields. The report and its recommendations were accepted by the Government and form the basis for current policy in this area.

The majority scientific opinion is that to date no adverse short or long term effects have been demonstrated from exposure to electromagnetic fields at levels below the limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). However, a minority group of scientists believe otherwise and extensive international research continues to be coordinated through bodies such as the World Health Organisation. This research is co-funded by the Irish Government.

Over the last number of years the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has conducted measurement surveys to verify compliance with ICNIRP limits by their licensees. The detailed measurement results from over 600 mobile phone base station sites have been published on their website. All measurements have so far shown total compliance with the ICNIRP limits with values that were typically hundreds of times below these limits.

The Expert Group concluded that there is limited scientific evidence of adverse health effects from electromagnetic fields below ICNIRP limits. The Report has, however, recommended that precautionary measures be used, where appropriate, and that Ireland continue to adopt and enforce the international guidelines developed by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection and endorsed by the World Health Organisation and the European Commission. This recommendation has also been accepted by Government.

I have asked my Department to keep me updated as to the findings of newly published research from peer reviewed scientific journals and to monitor developments in other EU Member States.

My Department's current advice to those living in close proximity to mobile phone base stations, based on the conclusions of the Expert Group Report, is that there is no scientific basis or evidence of adverse health effects in children or adults as a result of exposure to electromagnetic fields. This applies irrespective of the location of the phone mast.