Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 December 2004
45 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the recommendations of the fluoride forum have not been implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31713/04]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, a forum on fluoridation was established to review the fluoridation of public piped water supplies in Ireland. The main conclusion of the forum report was that the fluoridation of public piped water supplies should continue as a public health measure.
In all, the report of the fluoridation forum made 33 recommendations covering a broad range of topics such as research, public awareness, and policy and technical aspects of fluoridation and the establishment of an expert body to oversee the implementation of the recommendations.
The expert body, to be known as the Irish expert body on fluorides and health was set up earlier this year. The terms of reference are: to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the forum on fluoridation; to advise the Minister and evaluate ongoing research — including new emerging issues — on all aspects of fluoride and its delivery methods as an established health technology and as required; and to report to the Minister on matters of concern at his/her request or on its own initiative.
The expert body will oversee the implementation of the wide-ranging recommendations of the forum and advise me on all aspects of fluoride going forward.
