Ireland has made “significant progress” when it comes to access to fertility treatment but there still “a lot of work to be done”, the National Infertility Support and Information Group has claimed. 

Today is the first day of National Fertility Week and the NISIG is using the opportunity to raise awareness about the matter. 

NISIG Chairperson Caitríona Fitzpatrick said the Minister for Health’s decision to widen the criteria for people who qualify for free IVF was a positive step. 

“There’s still progress to be made and a lot of work to be done,” she said. 

“In particular, around access to publicly funded IVF treatments. 

“This was rolled out this time last year; we would like to see the criteria for that widened and this was announced as part of the budget. 

“We’re really keen now to see further details around that.” 

Close up of a couple touching the stomach of a pregnant woman. Image: Photononstop / Alamy Stock Photo

Ms Fitzpatrick said overall the Government has made “significant progress” in widening fertility access in recent years. 

“That does deserve to be recognised,” she said. 

“A recently released fertility atlas from Fertility Europe shows that Ireland has moved to 12 out of 49 countries when it comes to fertility policy. 

“That is a significant improvement; our previous number was 40.” 

Free IVF for certain couples was introduced in September last year. 

In Budget 2024, the Government announced accessibility for the scheme would be widened as part of a €35 million package of measures to improve women’s health.

Main image: A pregnant woman. Picture by: Lorna E5A6PR/Design Pics via ZUMA Wire.