119 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the recommendations of the All-Party Committee on Mobile Phone Masts and their proximity to residential areas and facilities will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38354/06]

Legislation or regulation in relation to planning issues is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the first instance. The Interdepartmental Committee on the Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, set up in September 2005, is at an advanced stage in its consideration of the policy issues regarding potential health effects, if any, and is taking due consideration of the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

An expert group of independent national and international scientific and medical experts, commissioned by the interdepartmental committee, is currently finalising its report and will shortly submit it to the interdepartmental committee. That committee will then quickly finalise its recommendations and report to the Government.