Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senators that the issue of water fluoridation needs to be addressed by way of a response from the Department of Health. It is not he job of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to address the issue, however. We accept the recommendations issued by the Department of Health. I will bring the issues Senators have raised to the attention of the Minister for Health and ask him to respond.

The Leader of the House has indicated that the national spatial strategy in this section has the same meaning as it has in the Act of 2000. The strategy essentially provides for joined up thinking for the country. It sets out the locations of growth centres, ancillary centres and areas of development. The plan must be consistent with regional planning guidelines, river basin management plans and must have regard to other policies, including housing policies, that is, where housing will be built, strategic development zones, that is, where industry will be located, and water quality. I do not envisage any issues arising in respect of the plan.

As I indicated, in an ideal world capital expenditure on water should be approximately €600 million per annum.