Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 179: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the studies that have been carried out on the necessity to continue fluoridation of water here; if studies have been carried out on potential inherent dangers in the extent of fluoridation currently in the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21721/10]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 180: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the extent of fluoridation in the public water system here; the reason for fluoridation of water in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21722/10]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 179 and 180 together.

It is estimated that 65% of the population of the State reside in dwellings that are supplied with fluoridated water. A Forum on Fluoridation was established in 2000 to review the fluoridation of public piped water supplies. The main conclusion of the Forum's Report in 2002 was that the fluoridation of public piped water supplies should continue as a public health measure. Among the studies which support this conclusion was the North South Survey of Children's Oral Health (2002), which showed that tooth decay levels were lower among children who get fluoride in their water supply than among children in Northern Ireland, where there is no water fluoridation.

The European Commission has asked the Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER) to review any post-2005 evidence on the hazard profile, health effects, and human exposure to fluoride and to assess the risks that may be associated with the use of most common drinking water fluoridation agents. It is expected that a preliminary opinion will be published shortly.

The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, which was established in 2004, monitors new and emerging issues on fluoride and its effects on health and related matters. Its advice, based on a review of all previous and current international and national scientific data, is that the balance of the scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, is safe and effective for protecting oral health. In May 2007, the World Health Organisation renewed its call for Governments throughout the world to introduce water fluoridation as an efficient public health measure.