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22nd May 2025
01:01pm BST
The expansion of Ireland's free IVF scheme has reportedly been delayed indefinitely.
Last October, the Government said the scheme would be expanded to couples who already have children.
However, a report by Extra.ie reveals that the Department of Health could not provide a date for when the scheme will be expanded.
It is understood that the HSE and other stakeholders are still ironing out any kinks that may occur by expanding the scheme.
There is currently a strict criteria for the free IVF scheme, which is only available to heterosexual couples who don't have any children of their own.
€10 million has been allocated to support publicly funded IVF treatments in Ireland.
Patients who meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the HSE will have access to one cycle of either IVF or ICSI treatment.
This service will initially be provided by approved private fertility providers on behalf of the HSE.
The free treatments are:
1 round of IVF
1 round of ICSI
3 rounds of IUI
The Department of Health has set out strict criteria for patients hoping to avail of the scheme.
Those hoping to apply for the scheme must be residents in the Republic of Ireland.
They also need to be referred to a Regional Fertility Hub by their GP. Self-referrals will not be accepted.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) must fall within the range of 18.5 – 30.0 if you are a woman.
The intending birth mother should be within the age range of 40 years plus 364 days at the time of referral to the Regional Fertility Hub.
The maximum age for male partners seeking treatment is 59 years plus 364 days.
Eligible couples must not have any living children from their current relationship. At least one partner must have no living children.
Publicly funded treatment is available for individuals who have undergone a maximum of one previous IVF cycle, using all embryos created during that cycle.
Couples or individuals will not be eligible for publicly funded treatment if either partner/individual has undergone voluntary sterilisation. This includes a vasectomy or blocking or sealing fallopian tubes.
An assessment will take place to ensure the well-being of any children born as a result of treatment, primarily based on a self-declaration form.
Couples applying for the scheme must be in a relationship for at least one year before applying.
A maximum of two intending parents will be considered for a child born through treatment.
Donor programmes will not be accessible in the September 2023 rollout for heterosexual, same-sex couples or single female patients. However, it's important to note that this will still be available privately.
