Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

There are some occasions when those who are pro-flouride accuse those who are anti-fouride of scaremongering. I support this particular amendment because it provides that the forum will "review the use of flouride in the water supply" and "issue recommendations to Irish Water on the use of flouride in water". The amendment calls for a review and the issuing of recommendations, which is very moderate and in that context, nobody could accuse the proposers of the amendment of scaremongering.

Senator Healy Eames spoke of her concerns about children and flouride. My wife and I have five children and 16 grandchildren and our children are very concerned about the health of their children but we have removed their right to have flouride-free water. We must accept that this is not something that should continue without a review and recommendations. China, which is by far the most populous country in the world, does not use flouride, while 98% of Europe does not use it. What makes us think that we should be different?

The amendment is very moderate in calling for a review and the issuing of recommendations. Senator Norris referred to the fact that bottled water contains flouride, to the best of his knowledge. I would imagine that is the case, unless the water comes straight from a spring. There are steps to be taken in this regard and I believe that the terms used in the amendment - "review" and "recommendations" - make it worth considering.