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Government to pay for couples to have IVF treatment

The new legislation will also regulate surrogacy and the use of embryos for research.

THE CABINET HAS approved legislation which will give financial aid for couples struggling to afford fertility treatments such as IVF.

It’s envisaged that the treatment will be means tested, with Health Minister Simon Harris hoping to publish the Bill by the end of the year.

The minister has welcomed the approval of the Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) Bill, which will now be submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health for review.

This is the first time a comprehensive package of measures has been drafted for this area.

“It has been long called for and is a very important milestone. This legislation is needed to protect, promote and ensure the health and safety of parents, and children born as a result of AHR treatment, as well as other parties who may be involved such as donors and surrogates. Consideration of the welfare and best interests of children born through AHR is a key principle underpinning the scheme,” said Harris.

It is envisaged the law will establish a regulatory authority to oversee the sector, and will outline the conditions relating to the donation of gametes and embryos in treatment and in research.

The law will also permit posthumous assisted reproduction where mature cells provided by a deceased person, or embryos created using those cells, may be used by that person’s surviving female partner as part of her treatment.

The new legislation will also deal with the issue of surrogacy in Ireland, which is currently unregulated.

shutterstock_353346353 Shutterstock / Svetlana Iakusheva Shutterstock / Svetlana Iakusheva / Svetlana Iakusheva

It will include a requirement for all surrogacy agreements to be pre-authorised by the new regulatory authority, and also sets out a court-based mechanism through which the parentage of a child born through surrogacy may be transferred from the surrogate (and her husband, if applicable) to the intending parent or parents.

The issue it deals with which will perhaps be most contentious, is the conditions under which research involving embryos may be permitted. This will only be carried out by those that obtain a licence.

The minister said Irish law must keep up with the rapidly evolving nature of AHR.

Landmark: First pregnancy using innovative fertility treatment in Ireland>

Read: “In theory you could do anything you wanted with a human embryo in Ireland”>

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    Mute OMG!
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:07 PM

    ‘Means tested’… so those who can’t afford IVF will be given free treatment to produce a human being. How they think they can afford to raise the human being but not afford the IVF is beyond me. As others have said, just add it to my tax bill. What a country.

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    Mute Frank Dubogovik
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:20 PM

    @OMG!: this subject was on Joe Duffy show today…..a caller made this very point and he got slated……….gotta admit this was the first thing that came into my mind when the subject came up

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    Mute Peter Smyth
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:28 PM

    @OMG!: I couldn’t afford a 7 grand lump sum before or after having a chld. I can afford the monthly cost of a child though. I’d imagine it’s a similar predicament for those needing ivf. I bit like being able to afford a mortgage but unable to raise the deposit…

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    Mute Markonline
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:54 PM

    If you could afford the repayments then the bank is the place to go first.

    39
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    Mute Peter Smyth
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:01 PM

    @Markonline: Getting into debt just prior to [hopefully] having a baby probably isn’t the greatest means of future planning. I’d imagine that this is the situation that is being addressed.

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    Mute Suzie Sunshine
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:44 PM

    @OMG!: because there’s many couple out there paying their mortgage and bills and are managing ok without the extras . IVF is an expense that some just can’t afford and they should at least be given one chance at it . It doesn’t mean that they can’t afford to look after the baby

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    Mute Andy Dwyer
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:38 PM

    @Suzie Sunshine: Unfortunately the people you describe will not be entitled to this benefit. But there tax dollars will pay for somebody else!

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    Mute Mary Elizabeth Whittle
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:57 PM

    @Andy Dwyer: good point Andy… that’s the sad part… they’ll probably be over the threshold .

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    Mute Gavin Healy
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    Oct 4th 2017, 3:23 AM

    @OMG!:
    If you looked into the realities of the costs it probably wouldn’t be beyond you.

    The cost of raising a child is substantial in the long term. IVF cost is substantial in the short term.

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    Mute Lilly Passet-De Nais
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    Oct 4th 2017, 3:22 PM

    @OMG!: why don’t you go and mind your own beeswax. So as far as you are concerned, only people who have several grand laying around the place are entitled to have children? Go away with yourself, will ya! Your Nose is stuck up your backside so far you haven’t smelt the roses in a long time

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    Mute JJ Sharkey
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 8:54 PM

    Ah that’s great, just add it to my tax bill.

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    Mute Brian Ó Dálaigh
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:03 PM

    @JJ Sharkey: Those babies, through their taxes during their working years, will help fund the country and its running while you’re on your pension which, if you don’t have a private pension, they will also be paying for in part.

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    Mute Brian Ó Dálaigh
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:07 PM

    @Liam Doyle: They sure do, Liam. But we’re facing a demographic timebomb in the near future. Adopting kids won’t solve that.

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    Mute Bilbo Baggins
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:10 PM

    @Brian Ó Dálaigh: there’ll be no state pension by the time any of these kids are of tax paying age.

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    Mute PROLIFE MOM
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:18 PM

    @Liam Doyle: try adopt one…its impossible due to the Hague convention

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    Mute Charlie O'Neill
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:01 PM

    IVF is great n all, but why should the rest of us pay

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    Mute Maggie Elizabeth Walsh
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:04 PM

    @Charlie O’Neill: cause we pay for all health care. You can’t cherry pick what health care you pay for. Most people who are infertile are in that position through no fault of their own, why not help them?

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    Mute ian kennedy
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:09 PM

    @Charlie O’Neill:do u not know how to get them back together

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    Mute Kerry Blake
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:14 PM

    @Liam Doyle: I think botox is on the tax payer if required a lot of kids with special needs get botox treatment. But never mind stay outraged……

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    Mute Charlie O'Neill
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:20 PM

    @Maggie Elizabeth Walsh: No way is IVF healthcare. Not even close. It’s a life choice. Nothing to do with being healthy

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    Mute Aine O Connor
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:44 PM

    @Charlie O’Neill:
    ProAbortion a life choice also, nothing to do with health care.

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    Mute Niamh Naughton Walsh
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:54 PM

    @Liam Doyle: are you comparing Botox to inability to conceive? How many kids have you?

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    Mute John Walsh
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:22 PM

    @Charlie O’Neill: Same as any health issue. Why should anyone pay for someone else who breaks their arm?

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    Mute Mirabelle Stonegate
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:13 PM

    @Maggie Elizabeth Walsh: This isn’t medically necessary treatment, though! Those people can just adopt!

    I, on the other hand, want to be sterilised. I can’t even get that done when paying for it myself, or through my insurance. Never mind the government paying for it!

    IVF is, imo, extremely selfish! can’t have kids? adopt! plenty of kids out there need families, so there is no need to bring new ones into being. this reasoning has a large part to play in my desire to be sterilised! (that and i just don’t want to risk pregnancy, but yeah..)

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    Mute Mirabelle Stonegate
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:15 PM

    @Aine O Connor: I’m all for abortion laws being relaxed in this country, and as long as they make it affordable, i’ve no issue with paying full price out of pocket if i need one! i wouldn’t expect it any other way, tbh.

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    Mute Jeanette McDonald
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:28 PM

    @Mirabelle, “Those people” can’t “just adopt”, clearly you know nothing about the adoption situation or you wouldn’t make sure a blo*dy ignorant comment. You also obviously understand nothing about IVF, either or fertility issues. Selfish for doing IVF?! Don’t make me laugh, it’s an incredibly difficult road and mentally and emotionally you have to be very strong. Stop projecting your own stuff.

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    Mute Suzie Sunshine
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    Oct 4th 2017, 12:17 AM

    @Jeanette McDonald: 100% spot on !

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    Mute marg fitzgerald
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    Oct 4th 2017, 3:41 AM

    @Maggie Elizabeth Walsh: ok but children with scoliosis are in that position through no fault of their own as are elderly people who can’t see because of cataracts and many others …who decides who gets priority.

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    Mute marg fitzgerald
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    Oct 4th 2017, 3:46 AM

    @Jeanette McDonald: Accepted but is a road an individual chooses because of something they want. It is not a medical necessity or as life saving procedure

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    Mute Seth Cheffetz
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    Oct 4th 2017, 4:57 AM

    @Mirabelle Stonegate: you are so clueless it’s shocking….

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    Mute Jeanette McDonald
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    Oct 4th 2017, 7:32 AM

    Well like it or not Marg Fitzgerald, it’s being funded. And there are many procedures that aren’t medically necessary, we can live without prosthetics but that’s funded, we can live without cornea transplants but they’re funded, we can live without cochlear transplants but they’re funded, and so on.

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    Mute Peter
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 8:56 PM

    I think it’s great.

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    Mute JimmyMc
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 8:59 PM

    So, soon we’ll be paying for those who want to make them and those who want to get rid of them.

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    Mute Maggie Elizabeth Walsh
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:10 PM

    It’s likely going to be like the UK system, one or two free rounds or a contribution towards costs. A drop in the ocean really compared to some aspects of the HSE black hole. Not being able to conceive won’t kill you but the mental health impact could be huge. People don’t choose infertility, they deserve this help.

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    Mute Paul P O'Sullivan
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:18 PM

    @Maggie Elizabeth Walsh: well said Maggie. The usual commentators as usual are the ones moaning buy this is a good news story. Aslo approved today, I believe, was extened maternity pay for mothers who have premature babies. Another good news story.

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    Mute Charlie O'Neill
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:37 PM

    @Maggie Elizabeth Walsh: Show me any evidence linking infertility and serious mental health problems

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    Mute Aine O Connor
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:47 PM

    @Charlie O’Neill:
    Infertile couples will go to extraordinary lengths and spend thousands , including traveling abroad for IVF to try and have a baby of their own. They deserve help.

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    Mute Suzie Sunshine
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:24 PM

    @Charlie O’Neill: you’ve no ides how much anguish and mental torture a couple can go through who have fertility issues ..

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    Mute Katie Daly
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:23 PM

    Hi Suzie, I’m being completely genuine when I ask if that a couple is tortured about not being able to have a child, why may they not adopt? I understand anyone wanting to jump at my throat for the above question but if a couple genuinely want a child and want to begin a family and cannot conceive naturally, why not give adoption a chance? I realise there are monumental struggles in both situations but when money can be spent trying to conceive a child through ivf would the money not be better spent adopting a child already born and giving them a decent chance in life? I’m asking for others’ views and opinions and not as an attack on individuals choices so please before anyone takes offence to my question it wasn’t meant that way.

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    Mute Jumperoo
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    Oct 4th 2017, 12:29 AM

    @Katie Daly: am here just so somebody gives you an answer. My wife and I have some knowledge of this whole area. Won’t go into our personal details, but I can tell you that the journey towards adoption can take five years or more from first registering your desire to adopt, to finally bringing home a child. It involves bureaucracy like you wouldn’t believe, where every aspect of your life and lifestyle is questioned over and over again. It can involve expensive flights and lengthy stays in far flung countries too. It’s not a case of simply adopting a child that was born to some single teenage mother who couldn’t keep it, like you might have done a few generations ago. Adoption is not easy and anybody who suggests it here as a ‘solution’ clearly doesn’t know what they’re talking about.

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    Mute Katie Daly
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    Oct 4th 2017, 1:07 AM

    @Jumperoo: Thanks so much for your reply. I’m genuinely interested as to the different aspects and consequences of either route and I respect a couples decision to consider IVF or adoption. I appreciate you shedding some light on the issue. At the end of the day it comes down to how this will affect couples and individuals personally. Thank you.

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    Mute Gavin Healy
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    Oct 4th 2017, 3:25 AM

    @Charlie O’Neill: if you can’t figure that out for yourself there’s probably not much to be gained by discussing it

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    Mute Gavin Healy
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    Oct 4th 2017, 3:26 AM

    @Jumperoo: well said

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    Mute Jeanette McDonald
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    Oct 4th 2017, 10:11 AM

    Katie, you asked a great question. adoption is pretty tough. In 2010, when Ireland signed The Hague convention of Human Rights, we inserted a clause that we will only adopt from countries that have also signed. It shut down Russia and Ethiopia (the countries we previously adopted from the most) to name but 2. The process is lengthy, even prior to the change it took years. It is gruelling. There are virtually no domestic adoptions.
    Also for others who’ve said just adopt, ironically IVF costs far less. It can cost north of €30k to adopt and much of that money goes to the Irish side not the sending country. So when others (not yourself) say things like that it shows they know absolutely nothing about adoption.

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    Mute Ivf and me
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    Oct 5th 2017, 2:08 AM

    Facts ref adopting and ivf on Ireland x https://www.facebook.com/ivfandme/posts/1943957779218310

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    Mute Doodles
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:10 PM

    I am beyond words at the insensitivity of some of the comments and I can only hope it’s because they have no idea of how distressing it is to not be able to conceive naturally.
    Being able to afford IVF and being able to afford a child are not the same question.
    I am pregnant after my third round of IVF. Thankfully we were not under financial pressure. The one thing all the doctors advice is to try and relax during the process which I can personally tell you is far from easy. If giving couples an opportunity to reduce that pressure through financial support then we should be more supportive and show some compassion.

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    Mute Casper
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:38 PM

    @Doodles: take no notice of all those angry comments because they are a very small number of people the majority of good honest decent people in this country would support this no bother and they are good people from all walks of life and classes

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    Mute Niamh Naughton Walsh
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:02 PM

    @Doodles: I had to walk away from the computer due to the ignorance of the comments here also. Best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy, you must be delighted. Watching The Baby Makers on Tv3 lately brought up a lot of emotions. Infertility stays with you for life.

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    Mute Jeanette McDonald
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:10 PM

    Ah Doodles, congratulations! That’s just great news. Ignore the haters, they don’t understand, have zero compassion and aren’t worth your time. You enjoy every moment of your baby. It’s a draining road, so emotional, so physically difficult. I did it 7 times before my body just couldn’t cope any more and we weren’t allowed to do further rounds. IVF has risks but it is also a tremendous blessing. Well done on coming through that tough road and so much luck for the years ahead.

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    Mute Conor
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:16 PM

    @Doodles: Tax obsessed weirdos. Take no heed. And best of luck to you!

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    Mute Audrey Cepeda
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    Oct 4th 2017, 2:04 AM

    @Doodles: congratulations. I’m so happy for you. I would willingly allow every penny of my taxes to be used to help pay for IVF. It’s about time this was introduced. I’ve been blessed with five children and can’t for one second imagine being unable to have even one. I hope you have a healthy, relaxing pregnancy as you wait for your little bundle of joy.

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    Mute marg fitzgerald
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    Oct 4th 2017, 3:54 AM

    @Doodles: problem is there are lots of distressing health problems which apparently we can’t afford to desk with ,it’s a matter of priorities

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    Mute Casper
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    Oct 4th 2017, 8:20 AM

    @marg fitzgerald: try looking to the bright side your too negative

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    Mute Ivf and me
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    Oct 5th 2017, 2:20 AM

    We are one week away from giving birth to our much fought for and much loved baby boy from ivf. Something we spent thousands to have to overcome my medical issue. I’m so hurt by reading all the comments tonight. I am glad to see generations after us may have some financial support towards this issue. https://www.facebook.com/ivfandme/posts/1960742694206485

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    Mute Casper
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    Oct 5th 2017, 12:07 PM

    @Ivf and me: best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy and for the future, what you read here is no reflection of Irish society, most of the comments are just from angry people that want to blame every one for their problems, once again best of luck to you and your family

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    Mute Richard Sweeney
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:08 PM

    I’m not sure how i feel about this. We struggle to fund certain potentially life saving drugs and procedures.

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    Mute lavbeer
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:12 PM

    @Richard Sweeney: they didn’t say how much it would cost? Nor did the pro-abortion people give any cost estimates for their newly planned world. And there are many other subjects this could be applied to.

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    Mute Dave O Keeffe
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:07 PM

    @lavbeer: lol, newly planned World. Are people trying to change the laws of the entire world?

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    Mute lavbeer
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:44 PM

    @Dave O Keeffe: whatever.

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    Mute Ian Heaton
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:07 PM

    Obviously those against it have never encountered any fertility problems…what’s more obvious is that they’re still using their right hand.

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    Mute Bilbo Baggins
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:12 PM

    @Ian Heaton: it’s the means testing bit that gets me tbh. Your only entitled to state aid if you’re in a certain income bracket. Otherwise I’m all for it.

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    Mute Mirabelle Stonegate
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:19 PM

    @Ian Heaton: My issue is that it’s not medically necessary. If the government are going to fund this from taxes, though.. uh, can I get my sterilisation procedure paid for as well, please? cause that would cost considerably less than IVF, seeing as it can be done in a day, in and out, no need to stay overnight, or anything, and once done it’s done!

    guess what though.. sterilisation ain’t medically necessary, so no one will provide it, even though i’m willing to pay myself!

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    Mute Seth Cheffetz
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    Oct 4th 2017, 4:58 AM

    @Mirabelle Stonegate: with that attitude I wholeheartedly support your sterilization!

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    Mute Aine O Connor
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    Oct 4th 2017, 6:11 AM

    @Ian Heaton: I have never encountered any fertility problems but because I am so blessed with children of my own my heart goes out to couples who need IVF. I know of people who have spent up to €40,000 including trips to Prague to get this treatment.

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    Mute John
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:18 PM

    Is this Tax payer-funded IVF a last resort for couples who have tried every other way of conceiving or as I suspect the follow up to the Marriage Referendum in allowing same sex couples to have children on the tax-payers dime.
    Curious that up to now couples had to use their own finances but suddenly we have money to spare???
    Cut hospital waiting lists first.

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    Mute Steve Smith
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:34 PM

    This is a disappointing program to be honest. IVF can start at 3k and grow rapididly. If you have to be means tested then can you afford children to begin with? There should be tax credit or rebate which would benifit those working which is more practical than means testing and would be a reward for working class who need this support.

    There is one other area that should be completely paid for and that is where IVF/PGD treatment could be used to allow couples have children that would be free of inherited genetic conditions such as Cystic Fibrosis. This treatment for 2 sessions can lead to approx 20K but would result in a healthy child therefore negate hospital and medical lifelong support and most importantly could lead to the radicatation of these genetic conditions long term.

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    Mute Ian Walsh
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:28 PM

    @John: It has nothing to do with marriage. A couple don’t have to be married to go through the IVF process. Will you people please stop conflating 2 totally separate issues for once and for all.

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    Mute John
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    Oct 4th 2017, 12:11 AM

    @Ian Walsh:
    Why wasn’t it brought up before now?
    There is a cohort of couples who want children together but can’t have them for medical reasons as has always been the case through history but no money was ever put on the table.
    We now have a cohort of couples who cannot have children together because they are same sex couples but suddenly money is available??

    Well call me suspicious !!

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    Mute Ivf and me
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    Oct 5th 2017, 2:33 AM

    @John: As in the rest of the EU I would assume that this won’t be a means tested system and that a diagnosis of genuine medical need and criteria will need to be met instead. Well I live ok hope anyway.

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    Mute Paul Hughes
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:28 PM

    I won’t pass judgement until I see what level of income is the cut off. But happy to see that the 15-20% of couples in this country that struggle with fertility issues are getting some financial help at last. It’s long overdue

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    Mute mickmc
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:22 PM

    If you can’t afford the treatment can you afford to rear a child? I can see cases where people who have no intention of ever working get the treatment and then we the taxpayers will more or less pay for the rearing of the child as well.

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    Mute winston smith
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:50 PM

    Are you forgetting the squeezed middle who pay for everything…surely if they have fertility issues and need a dig out after financing everything else in the state they should be helped.The most common culmination or even purpose of relationships is with the intention of bearing children.

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    Mute Aine O Connor
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:53 PM

    @mickmc:
    And those children in future will be the taxpayers who will be funding your State Pension. Ireland is awash with people who have children they can’t afford but children are not a commodity , you don’t have to have a permit to have kids, they just arrive and people manage.

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    Mute mickmc
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:41 PM

    @Aine O Connor: Well in the scenario I outlined above (ie a family of wasters) there a fair possibility that the child will contribute as much to society as their parents. Sweet FA. I know I’m generalising but there are families in this country where unemployment and living off the state is a family tradition at this stage.

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    Mute Casper
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:50 PM

    @mickmc: your just an angry tw&t keep paying your taxes like a good citizen you are and stop blaming people that are less privileged than the life you’ve had and are having for your own issues, try to be great full for what you have and take no notice of people less fortunate than you and you will have a good happy life

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    Mute mickmc
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    Oct 4th 2017, 7:08 AM

    @Casper: I’ll start to do all that when you learn to stop rambling and use a full stop every now and again in your posts. Everyone is more or less given the same opportunities in this country. Some people choose to take that opportunity some don’t.

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    Mute Casper
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    Oct 4th 2017, 8:24 AM

    @mickmc: blah blah bla blah blah bla bla blah blah bla bla …………….

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    Mute Blah blah
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    Oct 4th 2017, 9:14 AM

    @mickmc: fact is the vast majority of those going through ivf are working couples in their 30s, who have contributed towards the economy for years, are desperate for children, and will continue to provide and educate them for the future. These couples are not sitting down on social welfare or looking for their corpo house and having 5 or 6 kids and expecting the state to pay for everything.

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    Mute Ivf and me
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    Oct 5th 2017, 2:31 AM

    @mickmc: Majority that do go through this are middle income workers like us who pay taxes all their life and don’t get any financial assistance and have budgeted to raise a child. No one that goes through this physically intrusive, emotional journey is doing it for the laugh.

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    Mute M K
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:36 PM

    My wife and I went through the IVF process last year and have a wonderful baby boy as a result. I can tell you first hand it is a very financially and mentally draining process. We earn an average wage but can more than afford to raise our child well. If it wasn’t for a very supportive family we could never have afforded it any time soon.

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    Mute Casper
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:58 PM

    @M K: congratulations on your baby boy it’s great to hear people are having success with IVF

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    Mute Louise Ní Riain
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:36 PM

    Best thing i read all week, best of luck

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    Mute Niamh Naughton Walsh
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:57 PM

    How many people commenting here have actually gone through IVF? Do you agree or disagree with the help? For the record I have had 5 rounds of IVF.

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    Mute JimmyMc
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:12 PM

    @Niamh Naughton Walsh: well the next round is on us

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    Mute Peter Smyth
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:22 PM

    @JimmyMc: Pathetic comment whether you agree with the article or not

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    Mute Suzie Sunshine
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:30 PM

    @JimmyMc: very flippant comment that shows no considerations towards a woman who’s gone through 5 rounds of IVF …

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    Mute Casper
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:07 PM

    @Niamh Naughton Walsh: I am totally in agreement with it Niamh and if the government would like to take more taxes from me to pay for it I be gladly ok with that too, I feel it is a decent thing to do and it will make ireland a better place for having the compassion to help people with such a good thing

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    Mute Mirabelle Stonegate
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:26 PM

    @Niamh Naughton Walsh: I disagree with it, personally. IVF is not medically necessary, for one thing.

    If I could, I would gladly swap my fertility for your infertility, as I want to be sterilised. However, the world is far too baby-obsessed, so it’s a struggle for me to get the procedure I want, even though I have the ability to pay for it out of pocket.. all because it will prevent me from having kids.. which is the point…

    Was adoption never a possibility for you? if not, why not? I personally have never wanted biological kids, because i think there’s something so much better about opening your home and heart to a kid that you didn’t give birth to, than to one you did. This is why 5-year-old me decided to never get pregnant.

    Not to be callous, but I think IVF is a waste of time, resources and money.. especially when people could open themselves up to the possibilities of fostering and adopting. I know they’re not easy, but never is regular parenting.

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    Mute An Other
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:58 PM

    @JimmyMc: if you have kids go in and look at them & then ask yourself can you put a price on them. Besides that your comment is insensitive and you should remove it.

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    Mute JimmyMc
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    Oct 4th 2017, 12:01 AM

    @Suzie Sunshine: I’m surprised a veteran like yourself hadn’t noticed the number of shills who were all over this like a rash. The real story here isn’t just about IVF funding, its also about surrogacy laws, about the provision for the licencing for experimenting on embryos and the establishment of a regulatory authority to oversee it all, undoubtedly a Planned Parenthood- like organisation with government funding. It’s never ceases to amaze me how easily people are sidetracked

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    Mute marg fitzgerald
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    Oct 4th 2017, 4:00 AM

    @Niamh Naughton Walsh: You made a choice that’s fine and I hope you were or will be successful but children who made no choice are suffering because they need life changing operations . They need priority surely

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    Mute Casper
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    Oct 4th 2017, 8:28 AM

    @marg fitzgerald: we as the tax payer will look after those children too, thank goodness your not running the country

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    Mute Blah blah
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    Oct 4th 2017, 9:10 AM

    @Mirabelle Stonegate: that is your opinion…but I ask you this…how frustrating and annoying is it for you when people tell you that you will change your mind about having kids when you are older/met someone etc?? It’s the same when you are suffering infertility…why don’t you adopt as a means of “advice”. Do you know what is involved in adoption in Ireland or internationally? Do you know how difficult it is in Ireland and how many kids annually are put up for adoption? Are you aware of the cost and red tape for adoption internationally? Check these figures out!
    I don’t understand how some people are against having children for themselves but I respect their decision and do not tell them they will change their minds etc as I adore having my kids and went to hell and back to have them.

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    Mute Jeanette McDonald
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    Oct 4th 2017, 10:20 AM

    Jimmy, in order to further fertility research and genetic issues, embryos that are not used for whatever reason (and there are many) are needed. This could actually revolutionise curing illnesses in the future. I have 12 embryos that I can not use. I would far rather have them donated or used for research than the eventual destruction that will occur to them.

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    Mute Niamh Naughton Walsh
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    Oct 4th 2017, 10:51 PM

    @JimmyMc: I don’t need your help, thanks all the same. Funded it all ourselves, and we are done.

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    Mute Ivf and me
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    Oct 5th 2017, 2:23 AM

    @Mirabelle Stonegate: Read the facts about adoption before commenting and try be somewhat sensitive. This is a very real and emotional journey for these people. https://www.facebook.com/ivfandme/posts/1943957779218310

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    Mute Dani O'Hara
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:07 PM

    I really do think it’s great but can’t help thinking how come they can’t put money into the health service

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    Mute Bilbo Baggins
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:51 PM

    @Dani O’Hara: they put 16billion a year into it!!

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    Mute Patrick j Brady
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:25 PM

    Jez what next…. crazy idea…..more health service cuts on the way to fund ivf….

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    Mute Paul Hughes
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:29 PM

    @Patrick j Brady: you sound like an expert in the area, good man great comment

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    Mute Ivf and me
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    Oct 5th 2017, 2:26 AM

    @Paul Hughes: We are one of the only EU countries to not offer this on our Public Health Service system with no proper legislation. This is truly good news and I don’t think couples can wait for the perfect health service before having this considered in the overall budget plans. There’s room for both.

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    Mute Ivf and me
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    Oct 5th 2017, 2:27 AM

    That was directed at Patrick sorry Paul

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    Mute Mr D
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:18 PM

    I can’t believe the negativity towards this. I think it’s a fantastic step forward, and I would happily have it coming out of my tax bill.

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    Mute Mr D
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:20 PM

    @Mr D: you would much rather my tax money going towards helping a couple having difficulty, rather than pay some school dropouts whose sole purpose is to have kids and claim benefits

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    Mute Casper
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:33 PM

    This is fantastic and I am delighted to see the government is going to help fund people that want to have children with IVF after all every couple that’s wants to start a family should be helped in any way possible by the state because this treatment is quiet expensive, but I do think it should be available to everyone forget the means test

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    Mute Kerry Blake
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:11 PM

    Means tested? Well that will not be a great help for those over what ever fresh hold they decide. So only those who cannot afford the treatment will get help odd that good luck to any kids born to that measurement……

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    Mute Marie O'Shea
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:28 PM

    Fine if the country can afford it but really when you see the predicament of children on waiting lists for conditions like scoliosis is it right to have the resources diluted further. My heart goes out to people that aren’t able to conceive but it goes out to a lot of other classes of people as well. The lack of support for carers, people with some chronic diseases that get little or no support from the State etc. I find this policy quite hard to reconcile with the current state of our health service.

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    Mute Peter Smyth
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 9:24 PM

    Some of the comments here are idiotic. It never takes long to descend into farce here. It’s a medical treatment which some people need support to afford. Simple.

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    Mute An Other
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:47 PM

    Myself & my wife went through twelve years of round after round of IVF without any financial support from anyone. We saved year after year cutting out all of the luxuries, as our goal was to have a family, I am now the father of twin girls. I am so happy to finally see some support coming to help couples that need help to start a family.
    Unfortunately reading some of the comments on here frustrates me, you cannot compare IVF to cosmetic treatment and those that do just show their ignorance. Infertility puts great strain on your marriage and for some their mental health & it should be treated like any other medical condition. This “add it to my tax bill” tripe, really!!! Are people that ignorant?

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    Mute Blah blah
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    Oct 4th 2017, 9:01 AM

    @An Other: as someone who has dealt with infertility I agree. We both work hard, pay taxes and all our bills. Like you social life, cars, holidays etc were all sacrificed.
    People don’t understand the pain and the journey to ivf. The ignorant comments on this is a reason we did not tell people what we were dealing with infertility

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    Mute An Other
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    Oct 4th 2017, 9:05 AM

    @Blah blah: agree with you 100%

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    Mute Paul Hughes
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    Oct 4th 2017, 6:04 PM

    @Blah blah: well said, I can’t believe the selfishness of most of these posts. Most of them are ignorant to the pain and suffering many go through. It is an incredibly difficult journey and these people posting here sow just how selfish this country has become.

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    Mute Ivf and me
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    Oct 5th 2017, 2:15 AM

    @Paul Hughes: It’s truly heartbreaking to read. Where is the compassion gone?

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    Mute Phil Keenan
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:19 PM

    And we can’t afford cancer drugs……

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    Mute Jeanette McDonald
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:15 PM

    Amazing. The amount of bile on here from anti abortionists whenever there’s a repeal piece. Today there’s a piece where couples who desperately want a child will get state aid (terms and conditions apply!) and you’re still not happy! I don’t know, smh.

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    Mute Allison Smith
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:31 PM

    I honestly dont get why people become so desperate to have a child. I think the hse could spend their money on better things

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    Mute An Other
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:49 PM

    @Allison Smith: you are just ignorant

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    Mute Blah blah
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    Oct 4th 2017, 9:02 AM

    @Allison Smith: I’m sure people have said to you that they cannot understand why you don’t want kids and I’m sure that frustrates you? Same the other way

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    Mute marg fitzgerald
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    Oct 4th 2017, 3:34 AM

    Does anyone see the irony of introducing this measure while debating the right to terminate right up to point of birth a baby who might be inconvenient?

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    Mute Blah blah
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    Oct 4th 2017, 8:57 AM

    Infertility is a medical condition.
    Unless you have been through it you have no idea the hell.
    Couples who go through it are the strongest couples you will meet, work hard, pay taxes and have mortgages. People have this idea that ivf is easy, you just wake up and get it. Couples have been through years of pain and expense before that stage.
    There will be arseholes who will moan about homelessness….

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    Mute John
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    Oct 4th 2017, 1:24 AM

    As a father to a little 2 year and people say can’t afford €7k I ask how you you afford child care. In Galway it’s €680 now with the €1k reduction so 11 months of that is top end ivf. I am not been cruel but then on top of that you have to feed, get clothes and other expenses. It’s not easy. Only good thing government do is free under 6s. I think couples who under go 2nd and third rounds should be helped as they should huge desire and sacrifice to contemplate trying multiple times. But is should be an unlimited resource as round 2&3 should e allowed provided there is some chance of success

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    Mute Dave O'Hanlon
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    Oct 4th 2017, 12:38 AM

    Could we pay skobies not to have them as well

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    Mute PROLIFE MOM
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 11:30 PM

    What if you want 10 children? Can you get 10 rounds?

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    Mute Fran Lonergan
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:16 PM

    I wonder, will it ever be possibleft to do fetal transplants?

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    Mute Con Murphy
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    Oct 4th 2017, 2:37 PM

    A financial bonanza is to be handed to private companies who provide IVF services,from the Irish taxpayer.

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    Mute Ivf and me
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    Oct 5th 2017, 2:10 AM

    Please please read the facts before commenting ref ivf and adoption opportunities for these people. https://www.facebook.com/ivfandme/posts/1943957779218310

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    Mute John Scott
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    Oct 4th 2017, 8:39 AM

    What about the couple working , paying mortgage , all there tax. So they will get no help is that it . Shame on who ever makes a call like this.

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    Mute Gerard Heery
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    Oct 4th 2017, 9:28 AM

    Can’t understand the lunacy of this government, health service in deir need of funds and beds and this spanner thrown in for good measure !

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    Mute Ivf and me
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    Oct 5th 2017, 2:11 AM

    Please please take the time to read the facts about ivf and adoption opportunities for irish couples. https://www.facebook.com/ivfandme/posts/1943957779218310

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    Mute Con Murphy
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    Oct 4th 2017, 2:37 PM

    A financial bonanza is to be handed to private companies who provide IVF services,from the Irish taxpayer.

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    Mute Con Murphy
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    Oct 4th 2017, 2:35 PM

    Anyone fortunate people out there with shares in a company which provides IVF services. Any TDs, members of govt parties? Nah, who would have known this was going to happen totally unforeseen of course.

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    Mute Mohd Yameen Hasan
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    Feb 8th 2018, 12:24 PM

    IVF treatment or IVF procedure, which you need to put a lot of thought to. IVF Pregnancy is not easy and hence, the IVF centre needs to be chosen carefully
    https://www.elawoman.com/blog/fertility-treatments/where-do-you-get-ivf

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    Mute Maheen Fatima
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    May 13th 2019, 11:57 AM

    Infertility was a major problem in past, now it can be treated easily, we just need some understanding and also need to find best doctor, i did some research on the different types of infertility treatment for male and female. here is the link of my research: http://bit.ly/2LzZ0ng

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    Mute Mohd Yameen Hasan
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    Feb 8th 2018, 12:21 PM

    IVF treatment or IVF procedure, which you need to put a lot of thought to. IVF Pregnancy is not easy and hence, the IVF centre needs to be chosen carefully

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    Mute Sean Bean
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:05 PM

    We as a couple are on average wages and have big mortgage too, so far we have spent over 40k on ivf, here and abroad, we spent all we had, saved like mad, we only want a family, help along this journey would be excellent

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    Mute Sean Bean
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    Oct 3rd 2017, 10:07 PM

    We have spent a small fortune on ivf,

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    Mute Con Murphy
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    Oct 4th 2017, 2:25 PM

    Obviously deals have gone down here.
    Who are these IVF Companies and do any members of the Irish govt have shares in these businesses? Wheels within wheels.
    Any minister want to do a Pascal on this one?

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