Dáil Éireann - Volume 487 - 17 February, 1998

Written Answers. - In-vitro Fertilisation.

Mr. Howlin Mr. Howlin

193. Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department has required public hospitals to restrict the availability of in-vitro fertilisation services to women who are in a marital relationship and to refuse these services to women outside of this category; if he will give details of the basis on which this discrimination is justified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4028/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen) Brian Cowen

587

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen): In-vitro fertilisation treatment is not available within the public hospital service and persons who undergo such treatment do so in a private [587] capacity. Accordingly, my Department has not issued any instructions in relation to the delivery of the service. These services currently operate under guidelines issued by the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland and approved by the Medical Council.

Dáil Éireann 487 Written Answers. In-vitro Fertilisation.

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