Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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216. To ask the Minister for Health if he will recommend a public consultation on the issue of fluoridation of public water (details supplied) and consider a plebiscite to ensure a public mandate to continue the policy of fluoridation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35614/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Water fluoridation is the adjustment of the natural concentration of fluoride in drinking water to the optimal recommended level for the prevention of dental 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. More recently, a review of evidence on the impact of water fluoridation at its current level on the health of the population was conducted by the Health Research Board (HRB) on behalf of the Department. This review was published by the HRB in June 2015. The HRB found no definitive evidence that community water fluoridation is associated with negative health effects. A research project "Fluoride and Caring for Children's Teeth" (FACCT) is being conducted by UCC and supported by the HSE. Preliminary results indicate that children's oral health has been improving, fluoridated communities have lower levels of dental caries.

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 has already considered the specific issues raised by the Deputy and advises that the balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, is a safe and effective method of protecting the oral health of the population. Given that the policy has already been reviewed and is under constant review, a further public consultation is not considered necessary. Fluoridation policy is provided for in the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act, 1960. There are no plans to consider a plebiscite.