Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
92 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of much new evidence, she will reconsider the Government policy of fluoridating water supplies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26348/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra106 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of much new evidence, she will now reconsider the Government policy of fluoridating water supplies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26577/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 106 together.
A forum on fluoridation was established to review the fluoridation of public piped water supplies in Ireland. The forum report's main conclusion was that the fluoridation of public piped water supplies should continue as a public health measure.
The report of the forum on fluoridation made 33 recommendations covering a broad range of topics such as research, public awareness, policy and technical aspects of fluoridation and the establishment of an expert body to oversee the implementation of the recommendations. The expert body, to be known as the Irish expert body on fluorides and health, was set up earlier this year. The terms of reference of the expert body are: to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the forum on fluoridation; to advise the Minister and evaluate ongoing research — including new emerging issues — on all aspects of fluoride and its delivery methods as an established health technology and as required; to report to the Minister on matters of concern at his-her request or on its own initiative.
The expert body has broad representation, including from the areas of public health medicine, engineering, management, environmental protection, environmental health, dentistry, and health promotion. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the body has a strong consumer input in terms of members of the public and representatives of consumer interests, in addition to the necessary scientific, managerial and public health inputs. The expert body will oversee the implementation of the wide-ranging recommendations of the forum and advise me on all aspects of fluoride.
