Anti-Fluoridation Case Opens In Dublin

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30082, 16 March 1963, Page 11

Anti-Fluoridation Case Opens In Dublin

(N.Z.P A.-Reuter— Copyright)

DUBLIN, March 14. An action in which a Dublin housewife fa challenging the Irish Government’s decision to add flnoride to the water sopplies of four main towns opened in the Dublin High Court today. University professors tram Africa, Auetrelir, Italy. West Germany, France, and England are expected to give evidence Under the Health Act, 1960. fluoridation aimed at cutting dental decay is due to begin in Dublin on April 1 and to Cork. Limerick and Waterford on October 1.

Mrs Gladys Ryan, of Grace Park rood. Drumcondra, near Dublin, is seeking a declaration that the act is "repugnant to the constitution and invalid"

The case to expected to last for several days during the present legal term and then be adjourned until the next term. This arrangement was made to facilitate bringing

witnesses for Mrs Ryan to Dublin from abroad The Irish Attomey-GeneeuL Mr Andress O’Keefe, said today he understood it was proposed to call tachnttal evidence as to the merits or demerite of fluorideSton of water supplies He added: "I will be objecting to g>e reception of such evidence when it is tendered.” - <<_ V*—4 A - - • IWIT SMMKI MnConOf CKHKivr'l for Mrs Ryan, setd the issues involved "a conttdeeotton of the full rifffit of the organ of the State to administer compulsory mass medication.” Mr Macßride also said fluoride did not cure dental caries in children but “merely postponed the onset of them for a matter of a few yearn" He added: "No-one could say with any degree of certainty that the Ingettion of fluoride in the human system through fluoridated water may not have dangerous ride effects or tong-term dsieterioue effects on kidneys and the bones of the bumeh " The bearing was adjourned to tomorrow.