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Tue 06 Jun 2004Martin defends practice of fluoridating waterPublic water supplyFluoride is still being added to water supplies in the State, despite 11 local authorities voting against its use amid continuing public concern about its effects on human health and the environment. Last week, the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, strongly defended the practice, in response to a Dáil question from the Green Party Leader, Trevor Sargent.Mr Martin said the newly established forum to review fluoridation of public piped water supplies in Ireland found the practice should continue as a public health measure.