Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is so much on the agenda today that is so important. I support the call for a debate on the comments of Professor Morgan Kelly because the matter is serious. Some 95% of all working people are employed in small and medium-sized enterprises. If what the professor is saying is true, it must be heeded. Considering that there was a debate on this for an hour and a half, what was in the news represented only pinpoints. I would like a full debate on the matter to get to the bottom of what the professor is saying. This is the right place to have such a debate because the House has been noted for having good debates.

A Senator referred to the fluoridation of water. I believe an article in the Irish Examiner stated the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, has agreed to a review by international experts. I would like a new and full debate on this. If there is to be a review, we want to be sure we have the facts. Some 15 years ago, as a member of South Dublin County Council, I tabled a motion on this subject. I do not use fluoridated water and had to import a contraption from the United Kingdom that removes the fluoride. I was not prepared to take the chance. However, privileging emotion over facts can sometimes be inadvisable. I am not a scientist and do not know the facts but I like to err on the side of caution. We seek a rational analysis.

I look forward to the debate on renewable energy; that is all I will say about that.