Limerick senator says IVF budget funding will help people on lower incomes

Fine Gael Senator Maria Byrne.

SUPPORT for access to IVF treatment announced in last Tuesday’s budget have been described by Limerick Fine Gael Senator Maria Byrne as a long awaited move that will helpย people on lower incomes.

Senator Byrne said that the budget showed a commitment to womenโ€™s health and a government that is responding with concrete action.

โ€œAs it stands, infertility services are not publicly available and have, in some instances, been completely inaccessible due to very high costs. Next year, this treatment will finally be available to those who need it most.

โ€œEquitable access to fertility treatment and investing in womenโ€™s health is a key priority for Fine Gael. Weโ€™ve seen a consistent focus on this in the budget with the expansion of free contraception, currently available to women 17 to 25, to those aged from 16 to 30 years.

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โ€œWomenโ€™s health hubs will also be expanded with increased funding for screening and other health services.

โ€œToo many women are not receiving the treatment they need. This new system will be absolutely transformativeโ€, ย Senator Byrne concluded.