Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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183. To ask the Minister for Health the functions of and any funding provided to, the Irish expert body on fluorides and health since its inception in 2004 by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11095/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The terms of reference of the Expert Body on Fluorides and Health are:

- To oversee the implementation of the Recommendations of the Forum on Fluoridation.

- To advise the Minister and to evaluate ongoing research – including new emerging issues-on all aspects of fluoride, its delivery methods as an established health technology and as required

- To report to the Minister on matters of concern at his/her request or on the Body’s own initiative.

The funding provided for the Expert Body secretariat costs since 2004 is as follows:

*In addition, the Department's contribution to the national audit of the fluoridation process at water treatment plants was paid through the Expert Body in sums of approximately €23,000 in each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. The Department's contribution of almost €5,000 to the costs associated with the Fluoride and Caring for Children's Teeth (FACCT) study was paid through the Expert Body in 2013.