asked the Minister for Finance (a) what was the total cost to the State of the proceedings taken in the High Court and in the Supreme Court asking for a declaration that the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act, 1960 was repugnant to the Constitution; and (b) whether this or any sum had been recovered from the plaintiff in the case.

(a) The expenditure incurred is estimated at £31,500, excluding the cost of the Attorney General's staff engaged.

(b) Although costs were awarded against the unsuccessful plaintiff, no claim on foot of the said expenditure was made as the costs were considered to be irrecoverable.