Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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205. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding artificial water fluoridation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19619/13]

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. The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, established in 2004, monitors new and emerging issues on fluoride and its effects. 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. The effects of fluoridation on health and related matters are kept under constant review. The material to which the Deputy refers is a generic letter, which has already been received and forwarded to the Expert Body for examination. I will write to the Deputy separately to deal with the issues raised in the letter.