Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence regarding fluoridation of the water supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33519/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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The Forum on Fluoridation, which was established by the Minister for Health and Children, advised in 2002 that the fluoridation of public piped water supplies should continue as a public health measure. 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. It advises that the balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, does not cause any ill effects and continues to be safe and effective in protecting the oral health of all age groups.

The report of the EU Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER), published in June of this year, has not made any findings of negative health or environmental effects concerning fluoridation of water. Fluoride added to water is not classed as a medicine under EU or Irish law. I have no plans to discontinue the policy of fluoridation of public water supplies, which continues to make an effective contribution to oral health in Ireland.