Committee Reports::Report No. 03 - Non-ionising radition from mobile phone handsets and masts::01 June, 2005::Report

It is with personal satisfaction that I welcome this report of the Joint Committee. In 1998, as a member of the then Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport, I was the Rapporteur to what became the Joint Committee’s Report - Non-Ionising Microwave Radiation Emissions from Communication Masts.

Therefore, as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, I am delighted to have the opportunity to see a piece of important work that was started in 1998 being re-visited. Back in 1998 there was little over half a million mobile phone subscribers in Ireland. In the intervening 6 years we have seen what can only be called an explosion in the use of mobile phones. There are now over 3.57 million subscribers. I have on many occasions taken pride in telling how the Irish have taken to the mobile phone with such conviction that we could almost make the claim to having invented texting.

On a more serious note, there are citizens who suffer ill health from the use of mobile phone handsets or because they reside near a mast. The members of the Joint Committee have ample experience of meeting with and talking to those who are suffering.

It is with these people in mind that the Joint Committee agreed to include, as part of its 2005 work programme, a review of non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts. This report is the culmination of the Joint Committee’s considerations and it is hoped that the recommendations made in this report will be accepted and acted upon.

In closing, as Chairman, I would like to extend my appreciations to the other members of the Joint Committee Deputies Martin Brady, Thomas Broughan, Bernard J. Durkan, Martin Ferris, Dr. Dermot Fitzpatrick, Peter Kelly, Tom McEllistrim, Denis O’Donovan, John Perry, Eamon Ryan together with Senators Michael Finucane, Brendan Kenneally, Marc MacSharry and Kathleen O’Meara for their commitment and dedication during all the work in the preparation of this Report.

I would like on behalf of the Joint Committee to pay a special thanks to staff of the Houses of the Oireachtas, the staff in the Office of the Editor of Debates, the staff in the Broadcasting Unit, the sound engineers, the Director of Committees, Mr. Art O’Leary, the Deputy Director Mr. Padraic Donlon, the Clerk to the Committee, Mr. Ronan Lenihan and all the staff of the Committee Secretariat in particular, Mr. Peter Malone, Mr. David Alwright and Ms. Siobhan Murtagh for all their hard work and assistance to the Members in bringing this report to finality.

Acknowledgements

The Joint Committee wishes to thank those listed below, for the assistance they gave the Joint Committee.

2.Mr. Roger O’Connor — Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

The minutes of evidence taken in public and the related written submissions are included in the report.

Non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts

Executive Summary

Recommendations of the Joint Committee

1That the Radiological Protection Act, 1991 be amended so that monitoring of non-ionising radiation would be within the remit of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII). This will require that the RPII be fully resourced in terms of staff and expertise and where possible staff within the Civil Service with the necessary expertise should be deployed, subject to the usual IR protocols.

2That an independent board should be appointed to review, from the Irish perspective, the published scientific data. The board chairperson selected should have a similar status as Sir William Stewart has in the UK. Further, the board should be serviced by the RPII in the same way that the ‘Stewart Report’ had the assistance of the UK National Radiological Protection Board. The board must also include representation from a statutory medical body. The completed report to be submitted to Government.

3The Joint Committee recommends that the monitoring of both mobile phone handsets and masts should be vested in a scientific body that has both statutory independence and the expertise necessary to monitor ‘electromagnetic emissions’ or ‘radio frequency emissions’ in the non-ionising spectrum specific to Ireland. The Joint Committee considers that this function should be vested in an expanded and fully resourced Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland.

4That there should be established a ‘standing advisory committee’ comprised of the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. This ‘standing advisory committee’ should vet and agree all standards for the mobile telephony industry.

5The setting up of a non-statutory/advisory Mobile Phone Safety Users Group to advise the Minister and the ‘standing advisory committee’. This should include relevant interest groups such as medical practitioners and representatives of the community sector.

6That no mobile phone handsets should be allowed for sale in Ireland unless it they are certified as complying with the International Commission for Non Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) standard. The Joint Committee considers that this function should be vested in the newly expanded and fully resourced Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland.

7That all mobile phones should have a label that details its non-ionising radiation level — this to be similar to the A/B/C electricity efficiency rating applied to white goods.

8That the recommendations on Health; contained in the 1998 Report of the Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport should be referred to the Joint Committee on Health and Children with a request that the Joint Committee should consider including, in its work programme, a review of what action, if any, has been taken on the recommendations made in that report by the Department of Health and Children.

9That results of emission testing on masts and antennae be published on the web site of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the web site of the PRII and the ComReg web site.

10That planning guidelines and planning exemptions be examined with a view to ensuring that no ‘electromagnetic emissions’ or ‘radio frequency emissions’ emitting equipment be permitted to be sited near health centres, schools or other sensitive sites such as playgrounds or pitches etc.

11The Joint Committee will review this report by June 2006 and examine what progress has been made on the recommendations made by the Joint Committee.

Chapter 1 — Introduction

The 1998 Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport published a Report - Non-Ionising Microwave Radiation Emissions from Communication Masts. The report looked at the area of non-ionising radiation in the context of emissions from communication masts. The Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources decided, as part of its work programme for 2005, that the matter of non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts should be considered.

In deciding to prepare a report on non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts the Joint Committee was aware of ‘anecdotal evidence’ whereby certain users of mobile phone handsets and certain members of the public, residing in close proximity to masts, had experienced ill health. Such ‘anecdotal evidence’ is in the public domain and is, no doubt, prompted by genuine concerns and fears.

In considering the structure of its review the Joint Committee was aware that there is available, internationally, a large number of reports and detailed studies of non-ionising radiation. The Joint Committee was also cognizant that it is limited by the terms of reference setting up the Joint Committee and that any issues relative to health would be germane to the Joint Committee on Health and Children and any issues relative to planning would be germane to the Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government.

Accordingly, the Joint Committee invited the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the Irish Doctors’ Environmental Association (IDEA) to make presentations to the Joint Committee.

The Joint Committee was mindful that the Department holds responsibility for negotiating and agreeing International standards and consequently setting the emission levels for Ireland. The decision to invite the IDEA was consequent to a requested made by this group to make a presentation to the Committee. Further, the IDEA was considered to offer to the Joint Committee the broadest overview of any possible health ill effects.

However, the Joint Committee does wish to make the comment, in the strongest possible terms, that the Joint Committee is not seeking to endorse, support or suggest that the views expressed to the Joint Committee by the IDEA are to be taken as being the definitive position of the medical profession on the issues. In this regard the Joint Committee is of the opinion that the views of a statutory medical body, such of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), should be sought as set out in recommendation 3.2.

Further, the Joint Committee wishes to draw, in this introduction, the very important distinction, as given by Mr. Bob Hanna, between ionising and non-ionising radiation. Mr. Hanna in addressing the Joint Committee raised the matter of the difference between ionising and non-ionising radiation;

“......Part of our problem with this issue is the terminology and the pejorative nature of the language we use. We talk about non-ionising radiation. The world “radiation” has particular connotations for us, most of which are negative. We primarily think of nuclear and safety issues in that regard. However, it is not to be forgotten that light and heat are also forms of radiation and, in moderate quantities, these are not hazardous to health.

Non-ionising radiation occurs at the end of the electromagnetic spectrum where wavelengths are long and frequencies are low. That means they are at the end of the spectrum where low powers are involved in the energy transmitted. At one end of the spectrum we have gamma rays which come from the sun. Members interested in this area should note that next week and the week after there will be considerable sunspot activity in the atmosphere and we can expect a good deal of electromagnetic disturbance.

Gamma rays are high frequency and dangerous, causing some concern to airline pilots and NASA. Then there are X-rays. Members will be aware that the use of X-rays, particularly in hospitals, is well controlled because X-rays are ionising radiation. That means they can cause damage to the molecular structure of tissue. Then there is light, ranging from the ultraviolet to the infra-red spectrum, and visible light is in the middle and this brings us into the area of non-ionising radiation. The form of radiation or electromagnetic emissions we are considering today comes in the area of microwaves, television and radio, which are firmly in the middle of the non-ionising end of the spectrum.

We are permanently exposed to a certain level of radiation, both ionising and non-ionising, due to natural and man-made effects. The natural effects are to do with the magnetic field, the sunspot activity I mentioned. The man-made levels or contributions come from broadcasting transmitters, radio, television, overhead power lines, mobile phones and appliances in our homes and workplaces. Members should be aware that while sitting in this room we are all exposed to levels of electromagnetic radiation many times in excess of that from a mobile phone mast or even a mobile phone in one’s pocket. Even these larger levels are some 50 times lower than the internationally agreed safety levels to which we subscribe here......”

The Joint Committee considers that, in terms of the public perception, the use of terminology such as ‘non-ionising radiation’ can cause unwarranted concerns if the emphasis is placed on the word radiation. The spectrum which is occupied by mobile phone handsets and masts is best characterised as ‘electromagnetic emissions’ or ‘radio frequency emissions’ and is occupied by such everyday and common household appliances as radios, televisions and microwave ovens. Notwithstanding this the Joint Committee does not wish to have its clarification of the difference between ionising and non-ionising radiation considered in any regard to be statement that ‘electromagnetic emissions’ or ‘radio frequency emissions’ in the non-ionising spectrum are totally without harm to human health, the Joint Committee does not have the expertise or wish to make such a determination. The reference to, and the need for clarity, between ionising and non-ionising radiation is raised by the Joint Committee only for the purpose of clarification.

Chapter 2. Considerations of the Joint Committee

2.1. Overview

The 1998 Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport Report Non-Ionising Microwave Radiation Emissions from Communication Masts indicated that the then Irish mobile phone market consisted of approximately 533,000 subscribers with projections for the year 2005 suggesting that there would be 1.7 million mobile phone users.

However, the most recent data, the ComReg December 2004 Quarterly Key Data, shows that there were 3.57 million mobile subscribers at the end of September 2004. Therefore, there are nearly 2 million more mobile phone users than projected. This level of mobile phone usage confirmed, for the Joint Committee, that the use of a mobile phone is very much a personal decision, a point made in the 1998 Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport Report Non-Ionising Microwave Radiation Emissions from Communication Masts. The Joint Committee makes the observation that with 3.57 million mobile subscribers then the Irish public have most certainly ‘voted with their pockets’ and it would seem that mobile phones are here to stay.

In regard to masts, the Joint Committee makes the observation, that such a level of mobile phone penetration must be serviced by a large number of masts, and it is certainly the opinion of the Joint Committee that since the report of the Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport Non-Ionising Microwave Radiation Emissions from Communication Masts there must have been an increase in the number of such masts in Ireland.

However, it is difficult to gain data on the exact number of masts there are in Ireland. In other presentations to the Joint Committee, ComReg made a similar observation when noting that, for ComReg, it has been difficult to get an exact count on the number of masts as, this is ‘commercially sensitive’ information. Notwithstanding any considerations of ‘commercial sensitivity’ it is the opinion of the Joint Committee that not having data on the exact number of masts is not acceptable in Ireland of 2005.

2.2 Mobile Phone Handsets

The mobile phone penetration rate in Ireland is noting short of astounding. The 1998 Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport Report Non-Ionising Microwave Radiation Emissions from Communication Masts projected that by 2005 there would be 1.7 million mobile phone users. This has to be contrasted against the ComReg December 2004 Quarterly Key Data which shows that there were 3.57 million mobile subscribers at the end of September 2004.

As an illustration of how great is the mobile phone penetration the Joint Committee draws the comparison between the 2002 Census and the ComReg predecessor - the Officer of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation Irish Communications Market Quarterly Review, which covered the period January to March 2002. This is the closest direct time line comparator for data that the Joint Committee can establish.

The Market Quarterly Review showed “The number of mobile subscribers has increased to 2.97 million at the end of March 2002”, whereas the Census 2002 Preliminary Report, Table 1 (Population of each Province and County 1926 — 2002), gave the Irish population as being 3,917.336. The Census was taken on the night of Sunday 29^th April 2002 whereas the Market Quarterly Review was for the end of March 2002, in effect the two data sets are almost synchronous, there being only some 29 days difference.

For a population of 3.92 million there were 2.97 mobile subscribers. However, this can be refined further. The Census Report gives the following age breakdown in regard to the number of the population under 15 years of age.

Accordingly, at the end of April 2002 the population, over 15 years of age was 3.09 million (the population of 3,917,000 less the 827,000 under 15 years of age). The Joint Committee therefore, make the point that if, at the end of April 2002 the adult population, that is those over 15 years age, stood at 3.09 million and there were 2.97 million mobile subscribers, then since April 2002, Ireland could be said, for all intent and purpose, to have, in terms of its adult population, a 100% mobile phone penetration rate.

The Joint Committee acknowledge that this is not the real position, as a number of children under 15 years of age would have a mobile phone. However, the Joint Committee does make the observation, in ‘lay man’s terms’, that any increase in the mobile phone penetration rate will predominately occur in that sector of the population that is aged under 15 years of age.

Taking the Census data cited above then, in the opinion of the Joint Committee any expansion of the mobile phone penetration rate closer to 100% is an alarming development. Further, The Joint Committee makes the general observation that with such a pervasive penetration rate then there has to be, in the same ‘lay man’s terms’, little wonder that there exists anecdotal evidence linking incidents of ill health to the use of mobile phone handsets or living in close proximity to masts.

2.3 Masts

The Joint Committee previously made the observation that it is difficult to gain data on the exact number of masts that there are in Ireland. It is the understanding of the Joint Committee that in 1998 there were some 1,100 GSM antenna masts. It has been suggested that, in 2005, there are now some 4,000 such GSM antenna masts in Ireland. ComReg are currently conducting an audit of 10% of these masts to ascertain if the masts are operating within the prescribed emission limits laid down.

While the Joint Committee are very concerned that there is no exact data on the number or location of masts. The Joint Committee notes that the 1998 report of the Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport Non-Ionising Microwave Radiation Emissions from Communication Masts was published at a time when there were fewer masts. The Joint Committee also notes that the number of masts currently in use will increase even further as the new 3G mobile phone and other mobile telephony services are extended.

Chapter 3. Recommendations of the Joint Committee

Having considered the presentations and submissions made to the Joint Committee, together with the 1998 Report of the Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport - Non-Ionising Microwave Radiation Emissions from Communication Masts - the Joint Committee makes a number of recommendations.

The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), established in 1992 under the Radiological Protection Act, 1991, is the national organisation with regulatory, monitoring and advisory responsibilities in matters pertaining to ionising radiation. In particular the Institute remit is to deal with hazards to health associated with ionising radiation and with radioactive contamination in the environment. It is the opinion of the Joint Committee that the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland should have its role expanded so as to include the matter of non-ionising radiation. The Joint Committee also make the logical conclusion that this expansion of the role of the RPII will have an impact on that organisation, first the RPII would not have a developed or natural expertise in non-ionising radiation and secondly the RPII would require additional staff to carry out its expanded role. To address this the Joint Committee make the recommendation that the RPII be appropriately staffed to accommodate its expanded role and that staff with the expertise currently working in other Departments within the Civil Service could be assigned, subject to the usual IR protocols, to work in the RPII.

3.2.That the various international reports available be summarised and submitted to Government

The Joint Committee makes the observation that there is no specific report or study in regard ‘electromagnetic emissions’ or ‘radio frequency emissions’ in the non-ionising spectrum specific to Ireland. The Irish Doctors’ Environmental Association, did, in their presentation to the Joint Committee, make mention that

“......Our association undertook the first public health investigation into people who were suffering from electromagnetic sensitivity. We will publish our results, which we have submitted to the Irish Medical Journal, at the Environ conference in Sligo. The report documents the suffering and symptoms experienced by people who are electrosensitive. This condition is suffered by approximately 1% of the population......”

“......Since the technology came into the commercial domain, governments, equipment manufacturers, the research community and relevant international organisations such as the World Health Organisation promptly commenced programmes of research into the possibility that the emissions from mobile phones and their base stations could be harmful. This was not undertaken lightly but in a co-ordinated way because of our history with technology and risk assessment. Some 20 years later 25,000 peer-reviewed reports have been published, that is, 25,000 reports of scientific standing published in scientific journals at conferences after having been reviewed and accepted by experts. The research continues in the form of everything from psychological profiles to public opinion surveys to in vivo laboratory tests and includes detailed, scientific investigation using human and animal tissue, volunteers, scientific models, computer studies and everything from cognitive effects to cellular studies......”

Accordingly, there are some 25,000 peer reviewed reports of scientific standing published. This is a very large body of scientific research. However, the Joint Committee make the observation that a body, such as an Oireachtas Joint Committee is not equipped to consider or review these reports to any academic or medical standard. It is the opinion of the Joint Committee that in the United Kingdom, Her Majesties Government, faced with this same position took the route of appointing an expert group to review the issue of mobile phones and health. In this regard the Joint Committee note the report of the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, chaired by Sir William Stewart — Mobile Phones and Health. In light of this and in consideration of the number of scientific reports available, while noting that there are no published reports directly relevant to Ireland, the Joint Committee considers that a ‘Stewart Report’ is required in relation to Ireland. This has two elements; first, a review of the reports and second, an impartial, respected champion to drive the agenda forward. Accordingly, the Joint Committee recommends that an independent board should be appointed to review, from the Irish perspective, the published scientific data. The board chairperson selected should have a similar status as Sir William Stewart has in the UK. Further, the board should be serviced by the ‘new expanded RPII’ in the same way that the ‘Stewart Report’ had the assistance of the UK National Radiological Protection Board. In addition, as set out in the Introduction, the Joint Committee received a presentation from the IDEA and it is the opinion of the Joint Committee that a statutory medical body, such as the IMO, should be invited to be a part of the review body proposed. The completed report to be submitted to Government.

3.3.That the role of emission monitoring of phones and masts be vested in the RPII

Currently ComReg are responsible for the monitoring of ‘electromagnetic emissions’ or ‘radio frequency emissions’ in the non-ionising spectrum specific to Ireland. However, this is confined only to masts and does not include individual mobile phone handsets.

“ComReg is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of the electronic communications sector (telecommunications, radiocommunications and broadcasting transmission) and the postal sector. We are the national regulatory authority for these sectors in accordance with EU law which is subsequently transposed into Irish legislation.

•Traditional telephone wire

•Traditional television and radio

•Cable

•Radio Communications including fixed wireless

•MMDS and deflector operators providing TV services

•Mobile operators providing voice and data services

•Licensing Framework for Satellite Services in Ireland

•Postal delivery network

ComReg enables competition in the communications sector by facilitating market entry through a general authorization to provide networks and services and by regulating access to networks so as to develop effective choice for consumers both business and residential. In a rapidly evolving sector, both in technological and commercial terms, ComReg provides the framework for the introduction of new services such as 3G.

The focus of regulation for the postal service in the partly liberalised market is the maintenance of the Universal Service Obligation (USO) and in ensuring that An Post prices are geared to cost.

Our Activities are geared to operators and business & residential users of communications services”¹

Therefore, it follows that any role ComReg have in the monitoring of masts is only an add-on to its regulatory role and that it cannot follow that ComReg would have the necessary in-house expertise in monitoring ‘electromagnetic emissions’ or ‘radio frequency emissions’ in the non-ionising spectrum specific to Ireland in regard to both mobile phone handsets and masts.

Accordingly, the Joint Committee recommends that the monitoring of both mobile phone handsets and masts should be vested in a scientific body that has both statutory independence and the expertise necessary to monitor ‘electromagnetic emissions’ or ‘radio frequency emissions’ in the non-ionising spectrum specific to Ireland. The Joint Committee considers that this function should be vested in the newly expanded and resourced Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland.

The Joint Committee makes the recommendation, contingent to the recommendation made in 3.1. above, that the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland must be fully and appropriately staffed with the necessary expertise.

3.4.That an Interdepartmental review group be established to review international and EU legislative proposals on the safety and operational levels for ‘electromagnetic emissions’ or ‘radio frequency emissions’ in the non-ionising spectrum.

The Joint Committee makes the observation that responsibility for agreeing standards would seam to rest with technical representatives. Two excerpts from the hearings are germane

“Mr. Hanna: ...... Ireland also participates in the work of the international committee on electromagnetic safety which sets standards in this area. In answer to the question raised, Government representatives on these bodies tend to be technical people rather than medical people because they are the ones setting standards for the industry.”

“Chairman: Is Mr. Hanna saying the regulations are set by technical experts throughout Europe and that they receive no medical advice on what is and what is not acceptable?

Mr. Hanna: That is not quite I was am saying. At the end of the process — whenever we set technical standards — there must be engineering and technical people involved. The point of belonging to these organisations is that they conduct medical and scientific research because it is a spectrum — everything from measurements of what is in signals to examination of what happens to cells when they are bombarded with radiation. There is a wide range of disciplines from radio engineers to health physicists to medical people to researchers.”

Therefore, the Committee does have a concern that there is only, at best, an informal or ad hoc arrangement for how the various Departments inform the ‘technical people’ who make and agree the standards.

Accordingly, the Joint Committee recommends that there should be established a ‘standing advisory committee’ comprised of the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. This ‘standing advisory committee’ should vet and agree all standards for the mobile telephony industry.

The Joint Committee is of the opinion, just as there is a need, at a Departmental level, to agree cross Departmental strategies. There is also a counter balancing need to have the views of the mobile users taken on board. In this regard the Joint Committee note the presentation made by the Irish Doctors’ Environmental Association

The Irish Doctors’ Environmental Association indicated that approximately 1% of the population are electrosensitive. The Joint Committee is concerned that there should be balance between mobile phone users and those who potentially suffer ill health from the use of either a mobile phone handset or because they reside in close proximity to a mast. To help achieve this balance, the Joint Committee recommends that a ‘Mobile Phone Safety Users Group’ should be set up. This group should include relevant interest groups, representatives of the community sector and the medical profession. The function of the group should be to advise the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the Departmental standing advisory committee on the concerns and issues that the public have about ‘electromagnetic emissions’ or ‘radio frequency emissions’ in the non-ionising spectrum in regard to both mobile phone handsets and masts. Further, the Joint Committee makes the following observations

1.In the opinion of the Joint Committee, the precautionary principal, must continue to be a guiding principal.

2.However, the Joint Committee considers that with such a large user base then common cause, not special effect should be used in conjunction with the precautionary principal.

3.6.That mobile phone handsets sold in Ireland are certified by the RPII as complying with the International Commission for Non Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) levels.

The Joint Committee is of the opinion that there is a need to allay public concerns in regard to the safety of mobile phone handsets. It is very common that products sold to the public are certified as being safe. The Joint Committee note that there is no open transparent mechanism that can clearly show the public that, as a minimum, the public can be confident that the mobile phone handsets they use comply with ICNIPR standards.

Accordingly, the Joint Committee recommends that all mobile phone handsets sold in Ireland should be certified as complying with the International Commission for Non Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) standards. The Joint Committee considers that this function should be vested in the newly expanded and resourced Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland.

3.7.That all mobile phones should have a label detailing its ‘electromagnetic emissions’ or ‘radio frequency emissions’ level

The Joint Committee makes the observation that Energy Labeling of appliances was first introduced in Ireland in 1995 under EU legislation.

Energy labels help you to make a more informed choice when buying an appliance by allow you to easily compare the energy consumption of different models. Energy consumption is rated from A — G with A being the most efficient. Energy efficient appliances will save you money on your energy bill and are less harmful to the environment.²

The Joint Committee considers that such a labelling system for ‘electromagnetic emissions’ or ‘radio frequency emissions’ levels would be very advantageous to the public and in particular parents when considering which handset to purchase. Such a labelling system to be developed on the basis that bands of emission levels are grouped and accordingly labelled.

The Joint Committee recommends that the Government should pursue, at European Union level, a position whereby proposals can be brought forward and agreed for the introduction of an emission level label for every mobile phone handset sold.

3.8.That the recommendations, in regard to Health as made in 1998 Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport Report - Non-Ionising Microwave Radiation Emissions from Communications Masts - be referred to the Joint Committee on Health and Children

The Joint Committee note that the 1998 report of the Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport Report Non-Ionising Microwave Radiation Emissions from Communications Masts made recommendations in regard to health; namely

9.15The Department of Health and Children should examine the report commissioned by the E.C. on electro-sensitivity and advise if its recommendations could be usefully implemented in Ireland.

9.16The Department of Health and Children should set up a panel of medical experts from which individuals, who consider their health is affected by masts, may select three to carry out medical examinations on payment by the individual of an appropriate fee. This fee will be refunded to the individual in a case where the medical experts agree that health problems are attributable to masts.

9.17The Department of Health and Children should include a statement in its forthcoming national environmental action plan setting out clearly the up-to-date position in relation to microwave radiation and human health.

9.18The Department of Health and Children should supply the Director of Telecommunications Regulation with the latest public information in relation to health risks for inclusion in her annual report.

The Joint Committee considers that there has been little or no action taken by the Department of Health and Children in regard to the recommendations made in the Report of the Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport.

The Joint Committee recommends that those elements of the report of Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport should be referred to Joint Committee on Health and Children with a request that the Joint Committee should consider including, in its work programme, a review of what action, if any had been taken by the Department of Health and Children.

The Joint Committee is concerned that the public has access to all emission testing on masts. Accordingly, irrespective of where the role of such emission monitoring is vested, the public should have access to all such reports.

The Joint Committee recommends that it be a requirement that emission-testing results be published on the web sites of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, ComReg and the RPII irrespective of who is responsible for emission monitoring.

The Joint Committee makes the observation that the planning processes for the erection of masts would not appear to be an open and transparent procedure. The Joint Committee recommends that all planning guidelines and exemptions be re-examined with a view to ensuring that no ‘electromagnetic emitting’ or ‘radio frequency emitting’ equipment is sited near health centres, schools or other sensitive sites such as playgrounds or pitches etc.

3.11.That the Joint Committee review, by June 2006, any progress made in regard to the recommendation in this report.

The Joint Committee makes the observation, in regard to Reports of Oireachtas Committees, that one of the unique aspects of such reports is that the Joint Committee may review, at a future date, the recommendations made and invigilate what, if any, progress has been made. Accordingly, the Joint Committee will review this report by June 2006 and examine what progress has been made on the recommendations of the Joint Committee.

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

An Comhchoiste um Chumarsáid, Muir agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha

Tuarascáil maidir le

Radaíocht neamh-ianúcháin ó shásanna láimhe agus crainn teileafón soghluaiste

Meitheamh 2005

Houses of the Oireachtas

Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

Report on

Non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts

June 2005

Chairman’s Preface

Acknowledgements

Non-ionising radiation from mobile phone handsets and masts

Executive Summary

Recommendations of the Joint Committee

Chapter 1 — Introduction

Chapter 2. Considerations of the Joint Committee

2.1. Overview

2.2 Mobile Phone Handsets

2.3 Masts

Chapter 3. Recommendations of the Joint Committee