I thank the committee for inviting us to talk to members.
I am joined by the vice chairman, Dr. Brian O'Herlihy, who is a specialist in public health medicine and director of public health in the eastern region, and Professor Denis O'Mullane, who is a member of the expert body. He is an internationally recognised expert in the field of health services research, which includes fluorides. Ms Martina Queally is a member of the communications and public health promotion sub-committee. Mr. Stephen McDermott is chairman of our quality assurance sub-committee, which addresses on an ongoing basis the use of fluoride as an established health technology.
I will be brief, as I know the committee members have questions to ask us. The expert body was appointed by the Minister for Health and Children in 2004 and its terms of reference can be summarised as follows: 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 in research on all aspects of fluoride, its delivery methods and technology and as required by the Minister; and to report to the Minister on matters of concern at his or her request or on our own initiative.
The expert body is comprised of 26 independent specialists across a range of disciplines which include dentistry, public health medicine, paediatrics, biochemistry, engineering, diet, nutrition, management, environment, as well as consumer-related representatives. Our remit includes advising the Minister and evaluating ongoing research on all aspects of fluoride and its delivery as an established health methodology.
Science drives and influences our opinions and we maintain that water fluoridation in Ireland is one of the most beneficial health care policies the State has ever undertaken, providing immense benefits to all sections of society, irrespective of their social status.