Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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582. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the progress towards providing financial support for IVF treatments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33843/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, in February 2016, the Health Research Board (HRB) was engaged to conduct a comprehensive review of international public funding models for assisted human reproduction (AHR). The completed HRB evidence review was published simultaneously on the Department of Health’s and the HRB's websites on Wednesday 15 March 2017.

This evidence review examines the public funding mechanisms for AHR in different countries. The review looks at the associated costs and benefits for the funder, provider and patient, the criteria for accessing the public funded service and the basis for these criteria in different jurisdictions. The review does not indicate a recommendation or preference for a specific funding model; rather it outlines the pros and cons of such funding models, the different aspects of models in different jurisdictions, as well as the different rationales underpinning such funding models.

The HRB evidence review will be analysed by officials in my Department in the context of considering policy options for a potential public funding model for AHR treatment. It should be noted that, any funding model that might ultimately be introduced would need to operate within the broader regulatory framework relating to AHR.

Work on the General Scheme of an AHR Bill is well-advanced in my Department and I consider this and the development of policy on public funding for AHR treatment to be a priority for 2017.

While IVF treatment is not currently 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 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.