Water Fluoridation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2015

Tuesday, 3 November 2015

Ceisteanna (760)

Shane Ross

Ceist:

760. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Health if he has concerns regarding the methodology undertaken by the Health Research Board earlier in 2015, when reviewing the effects of the fluoridation of water, particularly the board's failure to assess the cumulative exposure for the population to fluoride consumption from not only water fluoridation, but also from the consumption of food, beverage, and medicines, or from occupational exposure to fluoride; his plans to review this policy again, given our unique position in Europe as the only State with nationwide mandatory water fluoridation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37889/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

A review of evidence on the impact of community water fluoridation at its current level on the health of the population was conducted by the Health Research Board (HRB) on behalf of the Department of Health and published in June 2015. In line with best practice on research, each study included in the report had a quality review completed and the complete review was peer reviewed prior to its publication. The Department of Health keeps water fluoridation policy under constant review.