Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 689: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recent guidance given by the American Dental Association advising parents to mix powdered infant formula with fluoride-free water, she has plans to make a similar statement to Irish parents; and if not the reason for same. [1282/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 835: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the interim advice from the American Dental Association informing mothers not to use fluoridated water to reconstitute infant formula; if, in view of this advice she will reconsider the policy of water fluoridation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2223/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 689 and 835 together.

The Irish Expert Body on Flourides and Health (known as the Expert Body) was set up in 2004. The terms of reference for the Expert Body are:

to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the Forum on Fluoridation;

to advise the Minister and evaluate ongoing research — including new emerging issues — on all aspects of fluoride and its delivery methods as an established health technology as required;

to report to the Minister on matters of concern at his/her request or its own initiative.

I have been advised that the Expert Body is aware of the interim guidance statement from the American Dental Association in relation to the use of tap water to reconstitute powdered infant formula.

In the United States, drinking water may contain fluoride at levels up to 4mg/litre, and thus there is a possibility of infants receiving a larger than optimal amount of fluoride through infant formula that has been mixed with water containing high levels of fluoride.

It has been established that the appropriate amount of fluoride in tap water is effective in controlling tooth decay. However, fluoride intake above optimal amounts can create a risk of enamel fluorosis in teeth. Enamel fluorosis has no known adverse health consequences.

Because water in the USA may contain fluoride in varying amounts, up to 4mg per litre, parents in the USA have been advised by the American Dental Association (ADA) to only use water that is fluoride-free or contains low levels of fluoride to reconstitute powdered or liquid concentrate infant formula. Parents and caregivers have been advised to consult by the ADA with their pediatrician, family physician or dentist on the most appropriate water to use in their area to reconstitute infant formula.

In Ireland, 1.0 mg per litre is the current limit for artificially fluoridated tap water. Therefore, the Expert Body continues to advise that infant formula should be reconstituted with boiled tap water in accordance with manufacturers' instructions, and they consider that fluoride in Irish tap water in the concentrations used poses no known medical problems for infants or the population in general.