First referrals for government-funded fertility treatment from September 25

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD  with Caitriona Fitzpatrick, chair of (NISIG) and Marian Barnard (NISIG) at the National Infertility Support and Information Group call for Ireland to be a leader in fertility policy within Europe. Picture: Robbie Reynolds.

The first referrals for government-funded fertility treatment are now expected to take place from September 25.

The scheme will give access to publicly-funded treatment through private fertility clinics following assessment in regional fertility hubs.

A tender for the privately-provided element has now concluded, with service agreements issued to successful clinics, the HSE said.

“These contracts are in the process of being returned by the private providers to the HSE, with this process to conclude shortly,” a spokeswoman said.

“The HSE is targeting that referrals to private fertility clinics will commence during the week beginning 25th September.” 

It is expected services will be available all around the country.

The six public Regional Fertility Hubs are already open, providing support for women and men with fertility issues.

These include relevant blood tests, semen analysis, and fertility-related surgeries but not IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) or other assisted human reproduction (AHR) services.

The HSE said referrals will be made for people “assessed by one of the six regional hubs as clinically requiring AHR and meeting the national access criteria.” 

The expectation then is that: “An initial pre-consultation is to be provided within 6 weeks, with active treatment to commence within 6 weeks thereafter.” 

The National Infertility Support and Information Group (NISIG) welcomed the news but said more detail is needed.

Chairwoman Caitriona Fitzpatrick said: “This was announced in the Budget a year ago, people are really anxiously sitting at home waiting for this to happen. September was the date which was announced, so we certainly wouldn’t want to see it any later than that.” 

Clarity around the time lag between GP referrals and assessment at the hubs is needed, she said, adding: “This needs to be viewed with a real patient-centred eye on it.” 

Use of donated gametes (sperm and eggs) is not yet available.