Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health his plans to review the inclusion of fluoride in public water supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55417/12]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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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, a further review is not considered necessary.