Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Notwithstanding what the Minister of State said in regard to fluoridation, I urge that consideration be given to including that issue in the code of practice. The Minister of State referred to health considerations, but the view is gathering momentum that there might be serious repercussions down the line. I am not convinced by the health argument. I understand the Minister of State's position that fluoridation has more positives than negatives from a health point of view, but the reason there is so much fluoride in our water is to kill off bacteria that are potentially harmful rather than to protect our teeth. The major issue with teeth when I was a child was that there was no health provision for dental care. People are far more conscious of their dental health these days and those who look after their teeth, irrespective of fluoride, will ensure they keep them into their old age.

The argument the Minister of State gave was also trotted out by the previous Government, but I am one of a growing number of people who are not convinced by it. We must ask ourselves whether it is appropriate that we should be prepared, for the next 25 years, to ignore the problems with fluoride. Several countries are moving away from the practice of adding fluoride to the water supply. There is certainly an obligation to examine what is happening in the rest of Europe, the United States and Australia.