Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and apologise to him and the proposer of the motion for my late arrival due to other commitments.

I commend Senator Norris who tabled the motion as it gives us an opportunity to discuss the issue. Like many other members I have been inundated with representations on the issue through e-mail and face-to-face representation in recent months. This debate is an opportunity to clarify where we stand on the issue and debunk the myths.

I thank the Minister of State for his excellent response in which he dealt with the issue in great detail. As there are genuine concerns on the issue, an informed discussion is the only way forward. The Minister of State has clearly outlined that the levels of fluoride in Irish water are provided for optimal protection for the oral health of all the people. That is the safest and most cost-effective way of doing this. It strengthens our teeth and helps reduce the level of dental care. Just as important, it provides universal assistance to people who may not have the financial resources to deal with dental difficulties. The fluoridation of water provides protection for oral health. If such a method was available to the State to protect against, say, cancer, arthritis or diabetes, there would be no hesitation in using it. Water fluoridation provides mass protection and is supported by the World Health Organization and, as the Minister of State has outlined, it is supported by many countries across the globe.

In regard to the danger of over-exposure, it is ironic that when some people spoke to me about fluoridation of water, they said they had to buy bottled water. However, the reality is that there is as much fluoride in bottled water as there is in tap water. The myths need to be debunked. Fluoridation levels are tested daily. As a former member of a local authority I am aware that in my local town a particular system is in place, as in most local authority areas. In the event of a difficulty arising with the levels of fluoride, the matter is addressed immediately. The fluoridation levels are tested every month, notwithstanding the requirement of the local authority under the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act 1960, and also on a monthly basis by the EPA.

Fluoridation is doing a good job. There is no need for concern in respect of this matter. It is important that we have had a debate as the genuine concerns I have received needed a discussion to clarify the issues. I commend Senator Norris who tabled the motion, the Minister of State on his response and those who contributed. It has been a good afternoon's work.

If some of the people who detract from the role of the Seanad were here this evening and had the patience to sit in the Gallery, where members of the press are supposed to be, and listen to this debate, including respecting the response that will come from all the various people who have contacted us and to whom we will now relay the information the Minister of State has given us and the result of this debate, perhaps not so many people would be scoffing at the role of the Seanad.