Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 October 2015
246. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the member states in the European Union that fluoridate their public water supply; how Ireland's public health policy of adding fluoride to the public water supply compares with the policies in other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36941/15]
View answerWater fluoridation is the adjustment of a naturally occurring element found in water in order to prevent tooth decay. Many countries have water fluoridation schemes, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, Australia and New Zealand. Water fluoridation is less common in Europe. However, fluoride is an essential part of oral health policy in all countries in Europe. In countries which do not fluoridate water this can mean fluoridation of salt or provision of community fluoridation through other means.
