16 May 2006

Justice

Garda Safety and Telecommunications Antennae

Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself regarding the health and safety of the Garda force regarding emissions from telecommunications antennae for both the existing and proposed Garda telecommunications system and existing and proposed private operators' systems that are placed on masts on top of or close to Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I am advised by the Garda Authorities that the Garda Chief Medical Officer has undertaken a review of health issues as they pertain to exposures to non-ionizing radiation from both existing and proposed telecommunications systems and found that all systems were well within the limits of exposure set down by the International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIP) and European Commission Recommendation 1999/519/EC.

Last year the Office of Public Works concluded an agreement with all mobile phone operators to grant licences for the use of State Property including Garda Telecommunications masts. I am advised by the Office of Public Works that all operators granted a licence under the agreement are required to comply with all national and EU health and safety legislation and guidelines issued by the ICNIP.