Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 6

Written Answers. - Water Quality.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

213 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the present levels of fluoride in the water supply; if it is deemed desirable to reduce these levels; the steps, if any, to be taken to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10942/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The type, form, quality and purity of fluoride to be added to Irish public piped water supplies is specified in regulations made under the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act, 1960.

The regulations provide that the amount of fluorine which may be added to a water supply shall contain not more than one part of fluorine per million parts of water and not less than eight tenths of a part of fluorine per million parts of water.

The Eastern Regional Health Authority, on behalf of the Department of Health and Children and the eight regional health boards, have awarded a contract jointly to Trinity College, Dublin and University College, Cork to advise health boards on an up-to-date status report on all aspects relating to fluoride use including water fluoridation. When advice and recommendations are available from these bodies appropriate consultation will take place to inform future policy on fluoride for this country.