Written answers

Wednesday, 3 October 2012

Department of Health

Water Fluoridation

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will review the policy of adding fluoride to the public drinking water supply here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42237/12]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Water fluoridation and the use of appropriate fluorides is a major plank of public health policy in Ireland in the prevention and management of tooth decay. In 2002 the Forum on Fluoridation, which was established to review this policy, concluded that the fluoridation of public piped water supplies should continue as a public health measure. The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, 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 is the safest and most cost effective method of protecting the oral health of the population. Given that the policy has been reviewed by the Forum on Fluoridation and that the Expert Body on Fluorides and Health continues to provide impartial, evidence-based, expert advice on fluoridation, it is not considered necessary to commission another review.

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