Water Fluoridation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 October 2012

Wednesday, 17 October 2012

Ceisteanna (275)

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Ceist:

275. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the date on which the Health Service Executive commenced using silicofluoride chemicals for water fluoridation instead of sodium fluoride; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45005/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The use of liquid fluosilicilic acid in water fluoridation commenced in the 1970s. Sodium fluoride had been used when fluoridation of public water supplies commenced in the 1960s but was replaced as there was a tendency for the powder to become solid.