Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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964. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has considered the introduction of microwave radiation monitoring systems similar to those in place in New Zealand and Sweden in order to examine the concerns of some citizens regarding microwave radiation from smart meters and the potential implications from same. [41103/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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Information in relation to the roll- out of Smart Meters is publicly available on the Commission for Energy Regulation ’s (CER) website,. I have no function in relation to the roll-out of smart meters.

Under the Irish Water metering programme, each water meter has a low power radio unit fixed to the top which enables it to be read periodically from a passing van. This is known as Automatic Meter Reading (AMR). The AMR is dormant until the meter is read when it is activated only for the purpose of taking the meter read. This should not be confused with smart metering technology, although Irish Water is not aware of any health risks associated with smart meters.

Irish Water have procured meters and radio units that comply with all relevant European and International Standards designed to protect the health and safety of customers and the general public. The electromagnetic radiation emitted from the individual AMR meters installed or from a cluster of such meters is a minute fraction of that emitted from common household devices such as microwave ovens, Wi-fi routers, cordless phones or baby monitors. Further information is available in Irish Water’s information booklet entitled “Irish Water Meters and AMR Technology”, which is available at

The issue of the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields was the subject of an Expert Group Report commissioned by the Government and published in March 2007. This report, entitled Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, is available on my Department’s website at:

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My Department has recently commissioned an expert study to review and report on international developmentson the potential health effects of electro-magnetic fields emanating from transmission grid infrastructure. The study is also examining international developments in non-ionising radiation (NIR) and electromagnetic fields (EMF) research , since publication of the 2007 Report and how the issue of NIR/EMF is dealt with in other jurisdictions. The study is expected to be completed later this year.

The analysis and findings of this study will be used by a Steering Committee, convened and chaired by my Department, to make specific proposals relating to the future management of these matters including, inter alia, any consequent legislative amendments and provision of appropriate technical expertise and associated resources.