Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 158: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate fluoride exposure in the Irish population particularly in view of a study (details supplied) carried out in Donegal which found that seven out of ten people in that county are at or above the safe intake level of fluoride; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27672/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to mandate the Health Service Executive to publish a comprehensive report on water fluoridation. In this connection, the Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health (Expert Body) is committed to carrying out a baseline study to monitor the effects of the change in water fluoridation following the introduction of revised Regulations earlier this year. (The Regulations reduced the level of fluoride in public water supplies to between 0.6 parts per million (ppm) fluoride and 0.8 ppm).

Regarding the Deputy's question in relation to over exposure to fluoride in the general population and in County Donegal in particular, I have asked officials in my Department to refer this matter to the Expert Body for its consideration. The Expert Body will advise me on the outcome of its consideration of this matter in the context of its above report.