John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is used in proportion, on the basis that it purifies and keeps the water safe. There is an idea that, somehow, by putting minute quantities of fluoride in the public system, there is a virtual conspiracy to sedate the entire population. We have to be sensible about this.

I believe the amendment is well-intentioned. Senator Ó Clochartaigh generally has a sound basis for his positions and perspectives on behalf of the people of rural Ireland. I respect that and I very often agree with the perspective he takes. However, I believe the amendment is unnecessarily repetitive and it overlaps with the work of the advisory panel that is already in existence, which has the scientific basis and qualifications for that purpose. The Senator is correct that this, in turn, can feed into the new public water forum and assist that body in continuing to monitor public concerns around this issue. However, I believe we are well protected in this regard.