Health risks posed by UK surveillance equipment - 10-08-97

Letter to Irish Minister

The Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Government Buildings
Dublin 2,
Ireland.

 Dear Minister,

 At the Annual General Meeting of the Celtic League held in Caernarvon, Wales on the 25 -27 July the following resolution was adopted:

 This AGM: Urges that the Irish British intergovernmental conference establish an independent scientific enquiry into claims that radio surveillance and electronic equipment used in British bases in S. Armagh poses a threat to public health.

 The background to this resolution is the reported concern of residents living in the S. Armagh / N. Louth area about possible harmful side effects from the concentration in this area of British Army military installations which utilise a wide range of pulse emitting radar and surveillance equipment and communications micro waves.

 The Celtic League corresponded with the Irish government in 1995. We are well aware that in the Dail on 9 March 1995 your predecessor replied to a question on this issue and that in general the government of the day were dismissive of the concerns raised.

 The Celtic League were disappointed that the Irish government on that occasion did not take seriously the very genuine concerns of ordinary people faced with the uncertainty the unnatural environment the array of electronic fortifications used by the British Army engender.

 Despite the conclusion on that occasion that there was no threat to health we understand that from a scientific point of view "the jury is still out" as to the long term impact of this type of equipment.

 Our resolution is straightforward and simply sets out to ensure that every option is considered. If, as we suggest, a survey is carried out by an independent scientific body commissioned by the joint governments, any conclusions would be widely accepted.

 Trusting the present Irish government will support this suggestion and undertake a more thorough investigation of these matters than its predecessor.

 Yours sincerely,

 J. B. Moffatt
General Secretary, Celtic League
4/8/97