Deirdre Clune
Question:255 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the treatment available in the Southern Health Board region for infertile couples; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3015/00]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
The Southern Health Board has advised me that all investigations necessary for infertile couples are performed at Tralee General Hospital where facilities are available to treat basic forms of infertility. It is anticipated that the service will continue to develop in the coming years. The board has also advised me that there is an intra-uterine insemination service available for infertile women within the board's area at Erinville Hospital. This involves stimulation of the ovulation of the female followed by artificial insemination at a precise time. If the woman is not suitable for this treatment or if it is unsuccessful she will then be referred to the HARI Institute in Dublin, the regional fertility centre in University College Hospital, Galway, or the infertility centre in Belfast for intravenous fertilisation.