To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many women over the age of 55 years are undergoing IVF treatment on the NHS in Northern Ireland; and if he will estimate the average cost of each programme of treatment. (85050)

There are no women over the age of 55 years undergoing IVF treatment on the NHS in Northern Ireland. In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is only available to couples where the female partner has not passed her 38^th birthday.

The Royal Group of Hospitals estimate the current cost for a cycle of IVF treatment to be £2,875. This includes the cost of outpatient attendances, drugs, scans and consultant time.