Skip to main content
Normal View

Water Fluoridation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2012

Tuesday, 25 September 2012

Questions (390, 391, 441)

Michael McCarthy

Question:

390. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding water fluoridation here; if his attention has been drawn to the growing body of evidence that links fluoridation to cancer; his plans to end water fluoridation in line with other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40731/12]

View answer

Michael McCarthy

Question:

391. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the current position in relation to water fluoridation in Ireland; if his attention has been drawn to the growing body of evidence that links fluoridation to cancer, if there are plans to end water fluoridation in line with other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40745/12]

View answer

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

441. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on the need to continue with the fluoridation of the water supply in view of the fact that this is putting peoples health at risk and that scientific studies have proven that putting fluoride in drinking water acts as a development of eurotoxin in children similar to mercury and lead ultimately reducing their IQ, and thereby produces more intellectual challenged and fewer gifted individuals, as well as a myriad of other health concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40346/12]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 390, 391 and 441 together.

Water fluoridation and the use of appropriate fluorides is a major plank of public health policy in Ireland in the prevention and management of tooth decay. The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, which was established in 2004, monitors new and emerging issues on fluoride and its effects on health and related matters. The Expert Body is satisfied, having studied current peer reviewed scientific evidence worldwide, that water fluoridation causes no ill effects to the health of adults or children. There are no plans to discontinue the policy of fluoridation of public water supplies, which continues to make an effective contribution to oral health in Ireland.

Top
Share