Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
937. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he has considered the arguments to discontinue the practice of water fluoridation here (details supplied); the reason the State continues the fluoridation policy; if he will initiate a fresh review of the policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1545/13]
View answerWater 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. In 2002 the Forum on Fluoridation, which was established to review this policy, concluded that the fluoridation of public piped water supplies should continue as a public health measure. The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, established in 2004, monitors new and emerging issues on fluoride and its effects on health and related matters. It advises that the balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, does not cause any ill effects and is the safest and most cost effective method of protecting the oral health of the population.
The information provided by the Deputy has been forwarded to the Expert Body for consideration by its New and Emerging Issues Sub-Committee.
