Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

While we are on the subject of water services, I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on this subject because I would add to that subject the issue of the addition of fluoride to our water supply, which I find extraordinary. We are the only country in Europe together with America and Australia that have fluoride in our water supply. Northern Ireland does not have fluoride in its water supply and it has fewer cases of cancer and of Down's syndrome of certain types, and that has been scientifically proven.

I am coming at the issue raised by Senator Whelan from a different angle. Why would we charge for water with fluoride because I for one do not want to drink water with fluoride?

I went off on an aside but I want to start off on a positive note on the announcement by the Minister, Deputy Shatter, last week that he has secured Cabinet approval to progress the creation of the charities regulator.