Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2005
223 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the delay in implementing an official recommendation made three years ago by the Health Research Board to reduce the fluoride limit in tap water; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16346/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, 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.
In all 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 Irish expert body on fluorides and health held its inaugural meeting in April 2004. The terms of reference of the expert body are as follows: 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; and to report to the Minister on matters of concern at his-her request or on its own initiative.
The expert body on fluorides and health is currently examining the regulations governing fluoridation of public piped water supplies with the aim of making proposals to me for the purposes of implementing the recommendation of the forum to reduce the level of fluoride in public piped water supplies. As part of this exercise the expert body is currently carrying out a census of public piped water supplies and when this work is complete the expert body will make recommendations to me in relation to the updating of the current regulations.
224 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number and locations of local authority water schemes which add fluoride to tap water; and if, in each case, legal authority for the addition of fluoride was ever sought or obtained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16347/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe statutory basis for the fluoridation of public piped water supplies is the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act 1960 [No. 46 of 1960] and various regulations made under the Act. The Act provides for the making by health authorities of arrangements for the fluoridation of water supplied by sanitary authorities through pipes. The Act also provides that the amount of fluorine added to a water supply shall not exceed one part by weight of fluorine per million parts of water.
I am informed that the information sought by the Deputy is not routinely available. However, I also understand that the Irish expert body on fluorides and health is currently examining the regulations governing fluoridation of public piped water supplies and, as part of this exercise, is currently carrying out a census of public piped water supplies which will include the information sought by the Deputy. When this work is complete the expert body will make recommendations in relation to the updating of the current regulations.
