Seanad report: It would be preferable to have an independent source of expertise and advice for the public of any potential health risks of electromagnetic fields arising from communications infrastructure, Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Minister of State John Browne said.
Speaking on behalf of Minister Noel Dempsey, he said: "I am conscious that my department is responsible for the development of communications infrastructure. However, at the same time my department is also responsible for advising the public of any potential health risks of electromagnetic fields arising from this infrastructure.
"This creates a potential conflict of interest within my department. I am satisfied that the advice I have received to date is unbiased and the most accurate available. However, given the potential for a conflict of interest, an independent source of expertise and advice, outside of my department, would be preferable."
Mr Browne was responding to a Fine Gael motion calling on the Government to review the existing national guidelines in relation to the proximity of telecommunications structures to domestic dwellings, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, work places and amenities, and to empower the Radiological Protection Institute to carry out monitoring of the emissions from telecommunications masts and other installations that emit ionising and non-ionising radiation.
A Government amendment commended the Government "for ensuring there is continuing compliance with international guidelines on non-ionising radiation emissions from telecommunications and antennae".
Mr Browne said the institute had statutory responsibility solely for matters pertaining to ionising radiation. He recognised the benefits in having an independent "one-stop shop" for the public to access all relevant expertise and advice in relation to both ionising and non-ionising radiation.