AN independent study on the health and safety aspects of telecommunications masts was called for by Mr Robert Molloy (PD, Galway West).

At Question Time, he said there were widespread fears about the effects of non ionising radiation from the masts, especially with plans to erect up to 1,200 of them for the expanded mobile telephone service. There were very few guidelines about the level of radiation.

The Minister of State for Communications, Mr Emmet Stagg, said there was no need for such, a study. The International Commission on Non Ionising Radiation, a well respected group of experts, had published a detailed review of the health issues relating to mobile phones and base transmitters.

The review, published this month, said there is no substantive evidence that adverse health effects can occur in people exposed to levels of non ionising radiation at or below the International Radiation Protection Association's limits set in 1988".

He would, however, continue to monitor the situation.