Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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139. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on his Department's review of international developments on potential health effects of electromagnetic fields emanating from transmission grid infrastructure; when he expects it to be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44675/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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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 for download on my Department’s website at:

My Department recently commissioned a study on international developments in non-ionising radiation (NIR) and electromagnetic fields (EMF) research since the publication of the 2007 Report. The study is also examining how the issue of NIR/EMF is dealt with in other jurisdictions. Work on the study commenced during the Summer and it is expected that a final draft will be presented to my Department before the end of this year.

The results 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.