Averil Power (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I concur with Senator O'Donovan's comments on the serious issue of water fluoridation. It is vital that people have confidence in the quality and safety of drinking water. I understand the reasoning behind the decision to add fluoride to the water supply in the past. I have been corresponding with the Minister for Health on this issue for the past year. A number of jurisdictions have discontinued the practice of water fluoridation as a result of health concerns. For this reason, it would be timely to carry out a review of current practice which would examine best international practice, take advice from international agencies and ascertain whether fluoridation is still necessary. Are reasons such as dental hygiene, which were cited in the past for adding fluoride to the water supply, still valid given that most people brush their teeth? I am not an expert or scientist but it is important that people have confidence in the water supply. An independent panel of scientists and experts should be established to examine the issue. Given the growing public concern about water fluoridation, decisions on the issue should not be taken by politicians alone but by independent experts. I support the position taken by Senator O'Donovan on this matter.