James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 187: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on her undertaking to examine the way users of expensive IVF treatment could be assisted, to take into account that claiming for such expensive treatment has fallen under the health expenses relief from 41% to standard rate 20%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43390/08]

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. I am conscious of the financial burden that IVF treatment can place on the couples concerned and have asked my Department to consider policy in this regard as part of the process of developing an appropriate regulatory framework for this area. Any proposals that might emerge from that process will have to be considered in the context of the difficult economic situation that now prevails and other competing funding demands across the full range of health issues.