asked the Minister for Health the percentage of the population getting fluoridated water; and his plans to extend the fluoride coverage.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fluoridated Water.
5.
At present approximately 52 per cent of the entire population is receiving fluoridated water. The communities so served include all the cities and major towns. About 80, mainly small, water supplies serving a total population estimated at 162,000 remain to be fluoridated. Steps are in train for the fluoridation of most of these supplies in the course of the next three years.
Apart from the additional 162,000 which the Minister referred to, are we to take it that there is no hope in the foreseeable future of the remainder of the population being covered?
This is a question in regard to water supply and I am only dealing with the existing water supplies and not with the establishment of new water supplies. In the second part of the question, smaller water supplies which existed are referred to. These will be fluoridated within the next three years. Water from wells and pumps constitutes the balance of the water supply. I assume that when there are water schemes for the whole country fluoridation will take place in all schemes.
Assuming that 90 per cent of the population receive their water from sources other than private supplies, will the Minister not ensure that everybody receiving water from a public supply will receive fluoridated water?
I have said that in the reply.
To refer only to 162,000 people on top of the 52 per cent—that would not add up to 90 per cent of the people.
I never suggested it would add up to 90 per cent. Water is available from sources other than local water supplies.