114 Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if readings of the levels of electromagnetic radiation have been taken in the vicinity of the transmission and relay stations operating the Multipoint Microwave Distribution System (MMDS); the levels recorded at each site; and if she is satisfied that these levels do not constitute a danger to the health of those living in proximity to such sites.

The technical specifications laid down for MMDS systems by my Department require operators to comply with the guidelines laid down by the Non-Ionizing Radiation Committee of the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA] on the limits of exposure to radio frequency magnetic fields in the frequency range 100 kilohertz to 300 gigahertz. Measurements have been obtained by my Department on the actual signal levels emanating from the MMDS transmitter in County Galway. These measurements showed that the maximum level to which people would be exposed is 43,000 times less than the maximum level laid down in the IRPA guidelines. On the basis of expert advice available to me I am satisfied that the MMDS system is safe in its operation.

As MMDS becomes more established my Department will carry out further signal measurement exercises as considered necessary.