The Minister for Health James Reilly has ruled out providing assisted human reproduction technology services for patients under the general medical services scheme, mainly on cost grounds, writes MARTIN WALL
He told the Dáil that while he was conscious of the financial burden that fertility services could place on couples, “this matter has to be considered in the context of the difficult economic situation that prevails and the other compelling funding demands across a full range of health issues”.
Assisted human reproduction treatment is not provided or funded by the public health system. However, such treatments are available from a number of clinics operating in the private sector.
Patients who access these services privately can claim tax relief on the costs involved under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme.
In an answer to a parliamentary question tabled by Fianna Fáil health spokesman Billy Kelleher, the Minister said drug costs in this area could be covered by the State.
“A defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Scheme administered by the Health Service Executive.
“Medicines covered by the High Tech Scheme must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and approved by the ‘High Tech liaison officers’. The costs of medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the Medical Card or Drug Payment Scheme.”
It is estimated that currently each year between 2,500 and 3,000 children are born in Ireland as a result of in-vitro fertilisation or other high-tech interventions.
Standard in-vitro fertilisation treatment typically costs €3,700-€5,000.
There is currently no legislation governing the regulation of in-vitro fertilisation treatment. Ireland is alone in Europe in failing to provide any legislation or proper regulation, although the Department of Health is understood to be working on plans for this area.