Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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517. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the reports that have been produced for his Department regarding the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields on persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48959/14]

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, which considered issues such as digital signals, microwaves and mobile phone masts, is available for download on my Department’s website at: .

Earlier this year my Department commissioned a study to review and report on international developments on the potential health effects of electro-magnetic fields emanating from transmission grid infrastructures. The study is examining international developments in non-ionising radiation (NIR) and electromagnetic fields (EMF) research, since publication of the 2007 Report. The study, which I expect will be completed shortly, will also examine how the issue of NIR/EMF is dealt with in other jurisdictions.

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.