The government has announced plans to provide IVF treatment for public patients.
A number of fertility centres will be set up in 2020 to help couples experiencing problems conceiving.
Under the plans, IVF treatment may become available for free from 2021.
Phase One of will see the investment of €2 million to develop fertility hubs for patients.
The model of care will include three components.
The first is GPs followed by the creation of regional fertility hubs.
The third will be the development of two tertiary facilities within the Public Health Service where IVF can be accessed.
The plans were announced by Minister for Health Simon Harris today.
He said: "One in seven of us can face infertility issues in our country. and indeed this is a growing phenomenon rate not just in Ireland, but indeed globally for a whole variety of reasons."
