Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
520 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements that are in place in the public health services for persons wishing to obtain in vitro fertilisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11336/04]
View answerWhile medical practice in the area of assisted human reproduction is governed by guidelines issued by the Medical Council, services such as IVF are not subject to a statutory framework of control. As a consequence, the provision of IVF treatment is not publicly funded and, as such, is not available in the public health services. Persons wishing to avail of this treatment must do so in a private capacity and are obliged to meet the costs themselves.
I understand that, in certain instances, there is some cross subsidisation which allows for the treatment to be provided free to medical card holders. It should also be noted that persons undergoing IVF are eligible for tax relief on medical expenses and that the drugs used as part of fertility treatment are covered by the drugs payment scheme.
I should add that, with a view to addressing concerns about the absence of statutory control in this area, the commission on assisted human reproduction is currently examining the possible approaches to the regulation of all aspects of assisted human reproduction and the social, ethical and legal factors to be taken into account in determining public policy in the area. The issues involved are complex and, while the commission is nearing completion of its work, it is not possible to be definitive on when exactly it will finalise the report.
