Responding to reports that the Department of Health intend to set up an expert group of consultants from outside Ireland to examine fluoridation of the public water supply, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe welcomed the news saying it was long past the time that we dump this practice of mass medication 
of this dubious toxic chemical.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“I welcome the news that at long last the Government intend to review the dubious practice of using fluoride in our drinking water, as evidence of any benefit from fluoridation is increasingly negative.

“The respected medical magazine The Lancet described fluoride as an ’emerging neurotoxic substance’ due to shocking evidence linking fluoride to lower IQs in children, and brain damage in animals.

“Ireland is the only EU country and one of two across the world with a national mandatory public water fluoridation policy.

“Surely it is long past the time to stop this mass, unnecessary medication, particularly as it has no health benefits and increases toxicity levels in those who drink the water.

“This is a dubious policy and evidence is there for all to see. 98% of Europe’s population receives water that is not fluoridated. Switzerland was the last European country to end fluoridation in 2000.

“The science behind this practice is also suspect with experts saying that brushing and rinsing with fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash is of far greater benefit than swallowing fluoridated water.

“There has been widespread opposition to fluoridation since Gladys Ryan took her case to the High Court in 1964 on the basis that citizens had no choice but to drink medicated water.

“Another negative is the cost of €4.8 million per annum, that Irish taxpayers have to pay for this fluoride in the public water supply.

“While I welcome this review, Minister Reilly now needs to prioritise and fast track the establishment of this group.”

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