Councillor Áine Smith called for the criteria to access publicly funded IVF to be extended during a recent meeting of Cavan County Council. Minister Stephen Donnelly confirmed full public funding for a cycle of IVF for eligible couples from September with IVF and IUI treatments available under strict access criteria.
Speaking to Shannonside Northern Sound, Cllr Smith said the Minister's offering wasn't what a lot of people were hoping for. She pointed out that couples are leaving Ireland for treatment elsewhere because of the cost and restrictions here.
Cllr Smith added that there are still numerous questions to be answered with regard to the matter. "What happens if a cycle is cancelled?" she asked. "Also, there is no standardisation of prices in the different clinics and these are all questions that need to be asked.
"The main concern I have is around women's healthcare in general. It has taken nine years for women to be diagnosed with endometriosis and I feel that the lack of care and knowledge when it comes to women's healthcare in Ireland is disturbing really."
