Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 3

Written Answers. - In-vitro Fertilisation.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

193 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department has required public hospitals to restrict the availability of in-vitro fertilisation services to women who are in a marital relationship and to refuse these services to women outside of this category; if he will give details of the basis on which this discrimination is justified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4028/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

In-vitro fertilisation treatment is not available within the public hospital service and persons who undergo such treatment do so in a private capacity. Accordingly, my Department has not issued any instructions in relation to the delivery of the service. These services currently operate under guidelines issued by the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland and approved by the Medical Council.