Vol. 508 No. 1
523 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the RTE Léargas programme on water fluoridation; the reason his Department refused to participate in this programme; and if his Department will give an assurance that fluoride is safe. [18275/99]
I am aware of the "Léargas" programme. The relevant staff in the Department were fully engaged in the management of an industrial relations issue with the dental profession at the time of the request for participation. An offer to participate in the programme at a later date was made but I understand that it was unacceptable to the producer. I am satisfied that water fluoridation at the level of 1.0 part per million permitted under the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies ) Act, 1960, is safe.
