Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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238. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to review the practice of water fluoridation including reducing the level of fluoride in the water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40248/13]

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. 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. One of the recommendations of the Forum was to amend the Fluoridation of Water Supplies Regulations, 1965 to redefine the optimal level of fluoride in drinking water from 0.8 to 1.0 parts per million (ppm) to between 0.6 and 0.8ppm. This came into effect in 2007.

The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, established in 2004, continuously 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 protects the oral health of the population. The opinion of the Expert Body is supported by major international scientifically validated reviews. At present a research project "Fluoride and Caring for Children's Teeth" (FACCT) is being conducted by the Oral Health Services Research Centre, University College Cork and supported by the HSE. It is focusing on 5-year old and 12-year old children and will assess the on-going benefits of health promotion initiatives, including water fluoridation, given the changes that have occurred since the levels of fluoride were reduced in 2007. The effects of fluoridation on health and related matters are kept under constant review.