Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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190. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide further details on a steering committee to review and assess the recently commissioned study on international developments in non-ionising radiation and electromagnetic fields research; when this steering committee will be established; if he will indicate where its members will come from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46726/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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My Department recently commissioned a study on international developments in non-ionising radiation (NIR) and electromagnetic fields (EMF) research since publication in 2007 of a report, entitled Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields. The study, which is also examining how the issue of NIR/EMF is dealt with in other jurisdictions, is expected to be completed in January 2015. Officials from various Departments, together with national and international experts , are currently overseeing the study and will put forward recommendations based on the study’s research and findings. The results of this study will be used by a Steering Committee, to be convened and chaired by my Department, to consider and make specific proposals relating to the future management of these matters including, inter alia, any consequent legislative amendments and provisions. The study and recommendations of the Steering Committee will be submitted to me in due course and I intend to bring these to Government for consideration. Following publication, interested parties will then be provided with an opportunity to make submissions for consideration, alongside the Steering Committee recommendations, to help inform future policy making in this area.

Matters relating to the composition, terms of reference, and mandate of the Steering Committee are yet to be finalised.