Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

890. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated annual cost of introducing free access to fertility treatments, including IVF, for persons of childbearing age on the public health system. [34575/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, in February 2016, the Health Research Board (HRB) was engaged to conduct a comprehensive review of international public funding models for 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.