To ask the Minister of Health, given the time-sensitive nature of the intervention, what consideration he has given to outsourcing fertility treatments to private facilities.

The reopening of the Regional Fertility Centre from 10 August 2020 was one of my service rebuilding priorities following the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is recognised that the current COVID-19 restrictions have placed limitations on the services currently offered; however, the Belfast Trust reviews the situation fortnightly to ensure that outpatient and treatment services are maintained, and that these can be provided safely. The Health and Social Care Board, which commissions the regional fertility service, has not given any consideration to outsourcing fertility treatments from private hospitals at this time.