265 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of 4 October 2000, he has yet received the report from the chief medical officer in his Department; and if the report has not yet been completed, if he will provide an indicative timetable for its receipt. [5986/01]

The research findings, which were referred to the chief medical officer suggested there might be an increased risk of lung cancer from people living near high voltage power lines because of pollutant particles from car exhausts receiving an electrical charge making them more likely to adhere to a person's lungs.

The chief medical officer, while noting the data referred to as interesting, agreed with the researchers who conducted the project that further research in this area is required. I am advised that research in this area is ongoing at international level.