James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 610: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the details of the revised programme for Government commitment to commence a bio-monitoring programme in 2010 to measure fluoride levels; the estimated cost of same; the way it will be executed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39116/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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In 2007, the HSE joined an EU Human Bio Monitoring programme along with 23 other Member States. Human bio monitoring is monitoring activities in human beings, using biomarkers that focus on environmental exposures, diseases and/or disorders and genetic susceptibility, and their potential relationships.

The HSE will use this Human Bio Monitoring programme to collect information regarding the total exposure in the population to fluoride which will satisfy the Programme for Government commitment. I expect results from this programme in 2012. As the cost and the operational aspects of this Bio Monitoring Programme are service issues, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.