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Assisted Human Reproduction

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022

Tuesday, 22 March 2022

Ceisteanna (930, 996)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

930. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health when financial support for all those seeking IVFR treatment including those with cystic fibrosis will be provided. [14342/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

996. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the assisted reproduction bill is enacted and that the long promised financial support for all those seeking IVF treatment including persons with cystic fibrosis are provided with such supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14650/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 930 and 996 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, a commitment to "introduce a publicly funded model of care for fertility treatment" is included in the Programme for Government, "Our Shared Future".

The model of care for infertility was developed by the Department of Health in conjunction with the HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme in order to ensure that infertility issues are addressed through the public health system at the lowest level of clinical intervention necessary.

This model of care comprises three stages, starting in primary care (i.e. GPs) and extending into secondary care (i.e. Regional Fertility Hubs) and then, where necessary, tertiary care (i.e. IVF, and other advanced assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatments), with patients being referred onwards through structured pathways.

Phase One of the roll-out of the model of care has involved the establishment, at secondary care level, of Regional Fertility Hubs within maternity networks and will result in operational Regional Fertility Hubs in each of the six Hospital Groups across the country.

Phase Two of the roll-out will see the introduction of tertiary infertility services, including IVF, in the public health system, but will not commence until such time as infertility services at secondary level have been developed across the country, required resources have been allocated and the AHR legislation commenced, which will allow for a robust regulatory framework to be put in place. Consideration of and options for the scope of a public funding model for advanced AHR treatment, including necessary considerations of eligibility criteria or the types of treatment to be provided, need to be developed further.

The Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022 has been introduced to the Dáil, is scheduled for Second Stage this week and my priority is to ensure the progress of this Bill as quickly as possible.

While advanced AHR treatment, such as IVF, is not currently funded by the Irish public health service, a defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Arrangements administered by the HSE. Medicines covered by the High Tech Arrangements must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and authorised for supply to the client’s nominated community pharmacy by the High Tech Hub managed by the Primary Care Reimbursement Service. The cost of the medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the client’s eligibility, i.e., Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme. Given the costs associated with certain fertility medicines, I understand that these schemes can have a material impact on the total cost of AHR treatment for individuals who avail of them.

In addition, there is other support available in that patients who access IVF, or other advanced AHR treatment, privately may claim tax relief on the costs involved under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme.

Nevertheless, my Department and the Government is fully committed, through the full implementation of the model of care for infertility, to ensuring that patients always receive care at the appropriate level of clinical intervention and then those requiring, and eligible for, advanced treatment such as IVF will be able to access same through the public health system. The underlying aim of the policy to provide a model of funding for AHR, within the broader AHR regulatory framework, is to improve accessibility to AHR treatments, while at the same time embedding safe and appropriate clinical practice and ensuring the cost-effective use of public resources.

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