195 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Health and Children when in 2010 the bio-monitoring programme to measure fluoride levels in the general population, as outlined in the renewed programme for Government, will commence; the changes that are envisaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2558/10]

In 2007, the Health Service Executive (HSE) joined an EU Human Bio Monitoring programme.

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.

The programme is due to commence in mid July 2010.