Vol. 508 No. 1
440 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the situation whereby members of the public who attend health board hospitals for consultation regarding fertility treatment are subsequently obliged to pay for the treatment in spite of being public patients; and if the situation will be investigated. [17512/99]
497 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make arrangements to provide resources to the Harrie Clinic in the Rotunda Hospital to allow it develop an egg donation service which is permitted under Irish law. [17896/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 440 and 497 together.
In-vitro fertilisation is not part of the publicly funded health service and people who avail of the service do so in a private capacity. Costs are met by charges to patients. There is however partial funding by means of tax relief on medical expenses and assistance with the cost of drugs under the drugs payment scheme.
Proposals relating to assisted reproduction raise a wide number of issues. I am currently considering how best these issues might be addressed.
