Vol. 485 No. 3
202 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the fluoridation of drinking water in this country; the reason we are out of line with practice in all other EU countries in this regard; the extent of research or evidence in the possession of his Department against fluoridation; his future intentions in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23397/97]
Fluoridation of public water supplies in this country at the optimal level of one part fluoride per million parts of water has been shown to be a safe, effective and an efficient public health measure in reducing dental decay. Fluoridation is used as a public health measure in Ireland and in some parts of England, Switzerland and Spain. The United Kingdom Government is committed to extending water fluoridation to all major towns and cities in England, Wales, Scotland and eventually Northern Ireland.
There is no credible evidence linking water fluoridation to the long list of health effects attributed to it by anti-fluoridationists. The research work of international agencies investigating possible health effects is being continually monitored and any recommendations of these bodies will be reflected in Department of Health policy concerning fluoridation.
