James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if it is possible for a patient undergoing IVF treatment as a matter of urgency through the private system to transfer to the public system due to a change in their economic circumstances in view of the fact that they can no longer afford the costly treatment privately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46309/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Assisted Human Reproductive treatment is not funded under a specific national scheme in the public health system. I am conscious though of the financial burden that such 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.