Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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111. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 400 of 24 January 2017, the status of the review of international public funding models for fertility treatment, in view of the fact that it was to be furnished to him by the end of 2016; the reason for the delay in finalising the review; the timeframe to receive the review, analyse it and publish it; the knock-on effects this has for the general scheme of legislative provisions dealing with assisted human reproduction, AHR; the timeframe for the legislation dealing with AHR; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4571/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As outlined in the response to question 400 of 24 January, the evidence review of international public funding models for assisted human reproduction (AHR), which is being conducted by the Health Research Board (HRB), is due to be finalised in the near future. The HRB report will be published on the websites of both the Department of Health and the HRB at the earliest opportunity. The HRB report will be analysed by officials in my Department in the context of considering policy options for a potential public funding model for AHR treatment. The drafting of the General Scheme is a separate process to the evidence review, which is being conducted by the HRB.

The General Scheme of legislative provisions on AHR and associated research is being drafted by officials in my Department and it is envisaged it will be completed by the end of June 2017. When the Scheme has been approved by Government, it will be submitted to the Office of the Attorney General requesting Parliamentary Counsel to draft a Bill based on the approved legislative provisions.