I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 158 together.
The report to which the Deputy refers was referred to the Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health for examination. The Expert Body has concluded that the report is not reliable. The Expert Body's Appraisal and an Executive Summary of the Appraisal are available on the Expert Body's website,www.fluoridesandhealth.ie. I understand that the report has been circulated to some national and local authorities in Ireland, some of whom have communicated with my Department regarding its content. My Department has received no communication from health authorities outside the jurisdiction regarding the report.
Fundamentally the Expert Body maintains that there continues to be overwhelming evidence that water fluoridation significantly benefits dental health and through this, benefits overall health. The Expert Body is satisfied having studied current peer reviewed scientific evidence worldwide that water fluoridation causes no ill effects to the health of adults or children. There are no plans to discontinue the policy of fluoridation of public water supplies, which continues to make an effective contribution to oral health in Ireland.