Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Brian Stanley for introducing the Bill. It is important to place matters such as the fluoridation of public water supplies on the agenda in order that Deputies can discuss them in detail. We must deal in a fair and objective manner with the many health concerns arising from water fluoridation. It is amazing that the main Government party's general election manifesto in 2002 included a commitment to cease the practice. Many senior figures in the Labour Party, including Ministers, have also expressed serious concerns about water fluoridation. The Government parties appear to have done another U-turn.

I have an open mind on water fluoridation in contrast to many of those, particularly from the Government side, who have contributed thus far and appear to have closed minds. The fact that many experts, scientists and politicians disagree with opponents of water fluoridation is not a reason to dismiss out of hand concerns that have been raised about the practice. The Government immediately dismisses challenges and concerns raised about particular issues, including fluoridation. One can blind oneself with science and statistics.

The vast majority of citizens and consumers of public water have major doubts and concerns about the health and safety of the public water supply. For this reason, I commend Deputy Brian Stanley on introducing the Bill and stimulating public debate on this important health issue. My attitude to fluoridation reflects the motto, "If in doubt, leave it out." Why do the authorities in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland not fluoridate their public water supplies? This is a legitimate question given that all of these countries have progressive policies on public health and safety. I ask the Minister of State to look deep into his heart and ask the same question.

I want to see scientific facts. The science establishment must be challenged on this issue and the role of Independent Deputies, including my colleagues in the Technical Group, is to issue such challenges. For this reason, I welcome the challenge the Bill presents. Many of those involved in health and science believe fluoridation is dangerous. They argue, for example, that the dose each individual receives is impossible to control because people drink different amounts of water. Between 40% and 50% of fluoride ingested each day by adults accumulates in the body and many children are over-exposed to fluoride. I want scientific facts presented on whether fluoride has the potential to cause major damage to the brain. While the theory has not yet been proven, some also argue that fluoride causes bone cancer. Research must be done on this and other fundamental questions.

Water fluoridation gives rise to major health concerns and is our duty, as legislators, to raise them. The Minister of State knows in his heart that many Deputies on the Government side share these concerns. This sets a red light flashing in my mind. I ask him to ensure research is done to ascertain the facts about water fluoridation. There is a lack of good quality scientific literature on the issue and the arguments in favour of fluoridation seem to have been accepted without any serious critical analysis.

The Minister of State should ask his family and friends how safe they believe their drinking water is and whether they use much bottled water. Does he filter tap water before drinking it, as I and most young parents do?

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