THE Department of Health is now funding one full cycle of IVF treatment, but it will benefit just 150 eligible women in Northern Ireland annually.

This development may provide little comfort to many women in Fermanagh still awaiting further treatment.

In response to a query about the New Decade, New Approach commitment to fund three cycles of IVF, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt reiterated his support for the policy. He acknowledged that to deliver on this commitment, significant funding is necessary to expand both the workforce and physical space at fertility centres.

Due to current budget constraints, the Department has collaborated with the Regional Fertility Centre to optimise fertility treatment provision within existing resources. This collaboration has significantly reduced waiting lists and enabled the increase to one funded IVF cycle per year.

"While this was welcome progress, I appreciate that it will not comfort those who are awaiting further treatment (after their first cycle), but unfortunately, this is the maximum that can be delivered within current resources," Minister Nesbitt stated.

He assured that the department will "strive to fulfil the commitment" to fund up to three IVF cycles once funding becomes available, emphasising the importance of this initiative for women and families across Northern Ireland.