Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for his patience.

Israel banned fluoride this year. Its decision was supported by the World Health Organization's statistics proving that tooth decay has declined equally in countries with no mandatory fluoridation. It is about diet; it is about calcium, magnesium and zinc. It is the toothbrush that is the greatest invention of the past 70 years, not fluoridation. We need education, not fluoridation.

Shame on them all. I wish the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, had stayed because we need to review this outdated 51 year old policy and not have Senator Mary White in here looking wistfully back to the past and quoting outdated health policies. I ask the Minister of State, Deputy Nash, to bring this message back. I will not press the matter to a vote because we will not win it this evening. I am glad Sinn Féin is with me on this issue. We are on a journey and we will get this done. In Israel, it had to be taken to the Supreme Court. If we must do the same to get this done, we will.