Expert Group on Mobile Phones
437. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the recommendation of the UK Independent Expert Group On Mobile Phones (details supplied) and on the UK Government’s response; his views on whether the UK approach is an example of good practice in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11144/05]
Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey): The Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, IEGMP, chaired by Sir William Stewart, was set up in 1999. It issued its report Mobile Phones And Health in May 2000. This report is commonly referred to as the Stewart report. There have been numerous reports since then.
In general, issues relating to the physical siting of telecommunication masts are not a matter for me but for the relevant local authorities under the aegis of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. However, I understand that all new telecommunications masts do require full planning permission.