Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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168. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter in relation to persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53388/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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On Tuesday 3 October 2017 the Government approved the drafting of a Bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research. Officials in my Department are engaging with the Office of the Attorney General in relation to the process of drafting this Bill.

In relation to the issue of public funding and AHR treatment, I have received and responded to correspondence from the persons concerned on this matter. Officials in my Department are developing policy options for a potential public funding model for AHR treatment. Once I have had the opportunity to consider this policy options paper I will bring a Memorandum to Government for a model of public funding for AHR treatment for the Government's consideration and decision. It is important to note that any funding model that may ultimately be introduced would need to operate within the broader regulatory framework set out in the AHR Bill and a model of care for AHR.

As you may be aware, the Health Research Board's (HRB) evidence review of international public funding models for AHR was published earlier this year. This evidence review examines 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. An analysis of the HRB evidence review will feed into the development of policy options for a potential public funding model for AHR treatment by my officials.

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.