Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have one quick question which is slightly left of field. It relates to fluoride. The Minister will head off to his European Union meeting next week. I had to leave earlier when we were discussing the milk quota and we have been discussing fisheries up to now. What is the Department's position on fluoride? Is the Department doing any studies or looking into the science on the effects of fluoride on aquaculture and agriculture? I am such an admirer of the Minister's Origin Green project and the Food Harvest 2020 policy. We are the only country remaining in Europe that insists on putting fluoride into our water. It was a 1960s initiative that was all about cavities. Now we all have toothbrushes and we know bad teeth come from gum disease and not cavities. The matter has been discussed in the Seanad and the Dáil many times. I would hate if the policy had a long-term effect on any of our larger visions or plans around this wonderful island and what we produce.