Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 826: To ask the Minister for Health if he will review the policy of adding flouride to the public drinking water supply here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26810/12]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 827: To ask the Minister for Health his plans to reform mandatory policy on water fluoridation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27203/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 826 and 827 together.

The Forum on Fluoridation, which was established by the Minister for Health and Children in 2000, 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. The Expert Body 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. 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.