Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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164. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the review of international public funding models for fertility treatment; when he will introduce legislation on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11003/16]

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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165. To ask the Minister for Health the cost of providing fertility treatment through the public health system; the cost of funding one, two and three cycles of in vitro fertilisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11004/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.

On Monday 1 February 2016, the then Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, announced his intention to provide public funding for assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatment in conjunction with the planned introduction of legislation in this area. It is important that consideration be given to how best to provide public funding for fertility treatment. To that end, Minister Varadkar commissioned an evidence review of international public funding models. This review will provide us with a comprehensive report of the existing evidence using a systematic approach, which will be invaluable in determining the most appropriate funding model for AHR in the State. It is expected that the evidence review will be completed before the end of 2016.

Separately to this evidence review, my officials are currently drafting a General Scheme of legislative provisions dealing with AHR, with a view to closing the legislative gap in this area of healthcare. Once the General Scheme is completed and the AHR legislation is subsequently enacted, the Government will be in a position to provide fertility treatments based on the best model of funding for Ireland.

It is important to note that while in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment is not provided by the Irish public health service, there is some support available in that patients who access IVF treatment 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 (HSE). Medicines covered by the High Tech Scheme must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and approved by the HSE ‘High Tech Liaison Officers’. The cost of the medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme.