Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

These are verifiable facts that Members can check if they want to deny them.

Use of fluoride is an essential part of oral health policy in Europe. In countries or areas which do not fluoridate water, this can mean fluoridation of salt, milk or provision of community fluoridation through other means, such as fluoride varnishes or fluoride mouth rinses.

Since its introduction in Ireland in the 1960s water fluoridation has made a significant contribution to the prevention of tooth decay among all the population. Water fluoridation is also cost-effective. The total cost per annum is €4 million - roughly €1 for each inhabitant - and the entire population in fluoridated areas receives the benefit, adults and children alike. The expert body's advice that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, does not cause any ill effects and protects the oral health of the population is supported by major international scientifically validated reviews, contrary to the erroneous suggestion of Deputy Stanley that the overwhelming evidence is in the other direction.

Support for this Bill would be a backwards step. Rejection of this Bill will ensure this public health programme continues, led by science, and we continue to benefit from what the United States Centers of Disease Control and Prevention rightly recognise as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.

The suggestion the Department of Health has never commissioned or taken interest in any study in this area since the 1960s is entirely wrong.

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