Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2015
525. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the levels of fluoride and chlorine in drinking water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15647/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government is responsible for policy and legislation in relation to drinking water quality, including chlorination.
The Minister for Health has responsibility for water fluoridation policy. The level of fluoride in drinking water in Ireland has been set at between 0.6-0.8 parts per million. This level of fluoride is deemed optimal for protecting the oral health of all age groups. European Council Directive 98/83 allows for a maximum permitted concentration of fluoride in drinking water up to 1.5mg/litre (or parts per million), almost twice the maximum level permitted in Ireland. In 2011 a review by the European Union Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risk (SCHER) concluded that there are no known negative health implications from fluoridating water at levels used in the EU. The balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, i.e. the adjustment of the natural concentration of fluoride in drinking water to the optimal recommended level for the prevention of dental caries, does not cause any ill effects and protects the oral health of the population.
The Department of Health keeps the policy of water fluoridation under constant review. As part of this ongoing work, a review of evidence on the impact of water fluoridation at its current level on the health of the population is being conducted by the Health Research Board on behalf of the Department. This review is currently being finalised.
