Michael Lowry
Question:76 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the level of flourides in public drinking water in the State; and if he intends to review the matter.
Written Answers. - Public Drinking Water.
The Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act, 1960 provides for the fluoridation of public piped water supplies to reduce the incidence of dental caries. Regulations made under the Act prescribe that the amount of fluorine which may be added to a water supply shall be such that the water shall contain between 0.8 to 1.0 parts of fluorine per million parts of water.
The fluorine content of fluoridated public water supplies is determined daily by a colorometric method and, in addition, laboratory analysis is carried out at intervals not exceeding four weeks. A general report on the fluorine levels for each fluoridated water supply is submitted by health boards to my Department on a quarterly basis.
Results are closely monitored at local level by the health boards and also by my Department. Most of the results achieved fall within acceptable levels. In cases where unsatisfactory results are obtained remedial action is taken as soon as possible by the health board in liaison with the local authority concerned.
Nearly 70 per cent of the population now reside in areas served by fluoridated water supplies. It is my Department's policy to ensure a 100 per cent coverage of all public water supplies serving a population of over 1,500.
Studies carried out show that there has been a dramatic reduction in the incidence of dental disease and in tooth loss since the introduction of the programme for the fluoridation of public water supplies.
In order to assist health boards in extending and upgrading fluoridation schemes my Department have made a special capital grant allocation of £200,000 per annum available over the past few years.