Vol. 516 No. 6
308 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make provision for infertility treatment for couples in the proposed new maternity unit at Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9109/00]
The Southern Health Board is the body responsible for the provision of health services within the board's area, including those which will be provided at the proposed new maternity facility at Cork University Hospital. The board has advised that the position with regard to the treatment of couples with infertility problems within its area is that, in addition to the facilities available at Tralee General Hospital for investigation and treatment of basic forms of infertility, there is an intra-uterine insemination service available at Erinville/Cork University Hospital which was developed by Professor Jenkins, former professor of obstetrics with the Southern Health Board, who has recently retired. Arrangements have been put in place to ensure a continuation of this service by Dr. P. Hughes who is a locum consultant obstetrician. If a woman is not suitable for this treatment, or, if it is unsuccessful she will be referred to the HARI Institute in Dublin, the regional fertility centre in University College Hospital, Galway or the infertility centre in Belfast for IVF. Pending the appointment of a permanent replacement for Professor Jenkins, the board is not in a position to say whether or not his replacement will have a special interest in IVF services.
