Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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896. To ask the Minister for Health if he has considered providing IVF treatment funded and delivered by the public health system. [27266/13]

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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899. To ask the Minister for Health his views on whether it is fair that women requiring IFV treatment when no other treatment is likely to be effective in assisting human reproduction can only avail of such treatment through the private health service [27269/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 896 and 899 together.

Assisted Human Reproduction treatment (AHR) is not provided or funded by the public health system; such treatment is available from clinics that operate privately. Patients who access these services privately may claim tax relief on the costs involved under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme. In addition, 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 authorised by the High Tech Liaison Officers. The cost of the medicines is reflected in the PCRS Statistical Analysis of Claims and Payments under High Tech Drugs. Patients may then use their valid established eligibility for GMS or Drug Payment Scheme, as appropriate, to access the medicines. I am conscious of the financial burden that fertility services can place on the couples concerned; however, 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.