Hot Press has put various questions and concerns in relation to the policy of mandatory fluoridation of the water supply in Ireland to the Department of Health over the past several weeks. In particular, a series of questions was sent to the Department on the morning of March 4, with a request for a reply by close of business on March 7. No reply was received, nor was the communication even acknowledged by the department.

In the detailed letter to the Junior Minister for health we asked about the long-term consumption of fluoridated tap water: Is it safe? We offered up a commonsense alternative strategy, that included the initiation of a campaign to get children to consume less sugar and take personal responsibility for care of their teeth.

We also asked for a new, independent review of the water fluoridation policy. The current Irish fluoridation policy is based on the report produced in 2002 by the government-appointment Forum on Fluoridation. This report was criticised by an international team of eleven scientists, all experts on the effects of fluoridation. "The reports primary conclusion that there are no adverse health effects is not defensible and in our view is blatantly false."

You can read the full letter, as well as an in-depth look at the international perspective on fluoride in FRONTLINES – which also contains an interview with Aisling FitzGibbon, The Girl Against Fluoride – as we continue with part three of THE FLUORIDE SCANDAL in the new issue of Hot Press, out now. Order this issue

If you missed part two of THE FLUORIDE SCANDAL: Why are we taking unnecessary risks? you can now read it here.