Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has changed his views regarding the harmful effects on citizens of RF-MW radiation from mobile technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33888/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The issue of potential health effects of electromagnetic fields was the subject of an Expert Group Report published by Government in March 2007 entitled Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields. This report is available for download on my Department's website (www.environ.ie/en/publications ). The Expert Group examined a wide range of issues in relation to the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields and their report answers many of the health risk questions raised by the public. The report and its recommendations were accepted by the Government and form the basis for current policy in this area.

In May this year the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) which is part of the World Health Organisation (WHO) published a report which stated that the electromagnetic fields generated by mobile phones were possibly carcinogenic to humans. It is important to note that the new research did not establish a direct link between mobile phone use and cancer. Rather, the IARC concluded that there could be some risk, and indicated that they therefore need to keep a close watch for a link between cell phones and cancer risk.

This Department will continue to monitor this and other scientific evidence as it is made available, and will consider any policy implications in this context.