Who is responsible?
The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is charged with monitoring levels of non-ionising radiation at the State's 6,000 base stations.
This is to ensure mobile phone operators are in compliance with their licence conditions. ComReg stresses, however, it has "no remit in the areas of planning or health".
Since it began auditing emissions in 1998, no mast has been found to have breached the guideline limits set down by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
Debate continues internationally over whether there is any negative health impact from exposure to high concentrations of non-ionising radiation, which can be found in the natural environment and technology such as mobile phone sets.
The Stewart Report, a major UK study published in May 2000, recommended a "precautionary approach" to the use of mobile phone technologies in light of inconclusive evidence.
The report, which continues to dominate policy discussions in Britain, said, "The balance of evidence to date suggests that exposure to RF (radiofrequency) radiation below ICNIRP guidelines do not cause adverse health effects to the general population.
"There is now scientific evidence, however, which suggests that there may be biological effects occurring at exposures below these guidelines."
Last month, three mobile phone companies won a High Court test case in the UK overturning a decision of planning officials to refuse permission for masts to be erected within 400 metres of several schools. The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr John Prescott, is among those now seeking to appeal the decision. Fears of a possible link between mobile phones and ill-health were further fuelled last month with the publication of research in Hungary suggesting that men carrying such sets are vulnerable to a 30 per cent drop in their sperm count.
Last September, three Dutch government ministries published research showing radiation from new third generation (3G) network base stations can cause headaches and nausea. The Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and National Resources has announced plans to investigate the potential adverse health effects of mobile phones. The committee, which is due to begin its work in September, will examine whether ComReg or another State agency should adopt a specific health remit in the area.
A similar investigation was conducted in 2000 by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport. It concluded that a significant element of the anti-mast movement had arisen due to a lack of consultation with local residents, particularly in relation to exempted mast development.
