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:
Year
|
Amount € k (rounded)
|
2004
|
120
|
2005
|
383
|
2006
|
429
|
2007
|
445
|
2008*
|
459
|
2009*
|
442
|
2010*
|
354
|
2011
|
284
|
2012
|
260
|
2013
|
252
|
2014
(to Jan)
|
20
|
*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.