Willie O'Dea
Question:246. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health his plans to reduce the permissible levels of fluoride in drinking water in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9053/21]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 February 2021
246. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health his plans to reduce the permissible levels of fluoride in drinking water in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9053/21]
View answerThe Fluoridation of Water Supplies Regulations 2007 sets the level of fluoride in drinking water in Ireland at between 0.6-0.8 parts per million. There are no plans to lower this limit, which was introduced on the recommendation of the Forum on Fluoridation (2002), who deemed it best for protecting the oral health of all age groups.
It should be noted that Council Directive 98/83/EC of 3 November 1998 on the quality of water intended for human consumption specifies that the level should not exceed 1.5 milligrams fluoride/litre of water, almost twice the maximum level permitted in Ireland.