Written answers

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Electromagnetic Fields Studies

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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1504. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on his Department's policies on monitoring health effects of electromagnetic radiation and microwave radiation; if there are any new initiatives evaluating these impacts and examining the way to minimise any impacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1489/17]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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In 2016 a Government commissioned report entitled 'Electromagnetic Fields in the Irish Context' was published. This report, prepared by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands (RIVM), examined the most up to date, peer reviewed research on the possible health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields. The report's conclusions are consistent with those of similar reviews on this subject, including a 2007 report commissioned by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, that there is insufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship between exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields and cancers. 

Officials in my Department are currently examining the best way to proceed with the future management of policy in relation to the issue of the effects of electromagnetic fields on human health, and I expect to shortly receive recommendations in this regard.   

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