Vol. 510 No. 6
224 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the studies or surveys, if any, he has raised in respect of health, excluding dental health, of persons or particular classes of per sons in relation to the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act, 1960, as stated in section 6.1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23217/99]
The safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation as a public health measure has been evaluated frequently by the World Health Organisation and other reputable authorities, such as the Health Research Council of the United States, and concerns about adverse health effects have not been substantiated. If an authoritative body in this country or internationally indicates that there is an issue of public health significance relating to the use of fluoride in water which should be investigated my Department would support this research in the usual manner.
A survey of adult dental health carried out in 1991 found that no significant difference in regard to general health status between fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas.
Health research in Ireland normally takes place under the auspices of the Health Research Board which identifies suitable projects based on priorities and peer evaluation.
