Martin establishes forum on fluoridation
29 May 2000
Mr Micheál Martin TD, Minister for Health and Children, announced today (29 May 2000) the establishment of a Forum on Fluoridation.
The Forum is comprised largely of persons with expert knowledge spanning the areas of public health, dental health, food safety, environmental protection, ethics of fluoridation, water quality, health promotion and representatives from the consumer and environmental areas.
The terms of reference of the Forum are as follows:
- to review the fluoridation of public piped water supplies and the programme of research being undertaken on behalf of health boards in the area
- to report to the Minister.
The Forum will be inviting submissions from the public in due course.
The Minister said: "The Forum will perform a very valuable function in looking into all aspects of the fluoridation debate, answering concerns which the public may have and making recommendations regarding future use of fluorides in this country."
"Fluoridation," the Minister continued, "has made a major contribution to the oral health of the Irish population over the last thirty seven years. Oral health gains have been made by children, adults and especially the socially deprived with a reduction in dental decay rates of 70%."
"Fluoridation of water has not been without controversy. In the years prior to its introduction in Ireland a national debate ensued in which pro and anti fluoridation views were explored thoroughly.
"I am conscious of concerns being expressed in the media by opponents of water fluoridation and I am anxious to give these groups a full opportunity to have their concerns heard and answered through the Forum.
"I look forward to receiving the recommendations of the Forum regarding future use of fluorides in general in this country".
