COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, February 09, 2015

MOTION NO.25

MOTION:  P. Gogarty

That this Council records its opposition to the current policy of water fluoridation in Ireland, based on documented research that shows a decrease dental caries in all western countries irrespective of whether the water is fluoridated or not, as well as research which shows the effect of fluoride to be topical not systemic (ie works at the location not through the body);  calls on the Government to organise a national referendum on water fluoridation in the next 18 months, (possibly in tandem with another referendum), which will educate the public thoroughly on both sides of the debate and allow their voice to be heard on this important public health issue; and that a letter recording this resolution shall be forwarded directly to the Taoiseach and the Minister for the Environment and CC'd to all cabinet Ministers, requesting the matter to be discussed at cabinet level.

REPORT:

The mandatory fluoridation of Irish drinking water supplies is governed by The Health Act (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) 1960 [S.I. No. 46 of 1960] and the Fluoridation of Water Supplies Regulations 2007 (SI No. 42 of 2007). Therefore, the fluoridation of water supplies is ultimately a matter for the Minister for Health.

Water fluoridation is the controlled addition of fluoride to a public water supply to reduce tooth decay. A 1994 World Health Organization expert committee suggested a level of fluoride from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/L (milligrams per litre), depending on climate. In Ireland the level of fluoride is between 0.6 and 0.8 mg/L having been reduced from between 0.8 and 1.0 mg/L approximately 5 years ago after a review by the Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health. Bottled water typically has unknown fluoride levels, and some domestic water filters remove some or all fluoride.

Currently there is an independent body reviewing the fluoridation of Irish drinking water supplies on a continuous basis, known as The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health. A comprehensive up-to-date review can be found on their website www.fluoridesandhealth.ie.

The matter of fluoridation of water supplies was raised by South Dublin County Council with the Minister for Health in September 2012 on foot of a motion passed by the Members. A copy of the response is attached and at the following link; Ministers Letter September 2012

Irish Water now has sole responsibility for the delivery of water services. If the motion is passed the terms of the motion will be forwarded to the Minister for Health and Irish Water and, when received, copies of the replies will be circulated to the Members.