asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the fluoride analysis reports carried out on the water supplies in the Counties of Laois and Offaly in 1976-77; if any such reports are available in respect of 1978 to date; if there are plans to fluoridate other water supplies in the two counties referred to; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Laois-Offaly Water Analysis.
462.
Fluoride concentrations in piped water supplies are monitored by a combination of colorimetric tests carried out daily and distillation tests, carried out at intervals not exceeding four weeks.
Difficulty was experienced in obtaining fluoride acid in early 1976 and adequate supplies of acid were not available for water supplies fluoridated in Laois-Offaly until the middle of that year. The distillation test results made available to my Department in respect of these supplies for the latter half of 1976 and for 1977 show that a reasonably satisfactory level of fluoridation was maintained. The number of results submitted to my Department in respect of 1978 is limited but those submitted show a reasonable level of fluoridation is being maintained.
I have encouraged health boards to ensure, in consultation with the local authorities concerned, that other water supplies suitable for fluoridation are equipped as resources permit. I understand that plans are being prepared to fluoridate water supplies to Edenderry. I have no proposals before me for the fluoridation of other water supplies in the area.