Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 224: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will exempt IVF treatments from the proposed reduction in tax relief on medical expenses from 41% to 20%; if she has proposals to establish a scheme of State financial assistance for IVF treatments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36865/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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My colleague Mr Brian Lenihan TD, Minister for Finance is responsible for issues that concern tax relief on medical expenses such as those incurred on IVF treatment. Assisted Human Reproduction treatment for medical card holders is not at present funded under a specific national scheme. I am conscious though of the financial burden that such treatment can place on couples, and I have asked my Department to consider policy in this regard — as part of the process of developing an appropriate regulatory framework for this area.