Plans by the government to set a maximum age limit for women for IVF but not for men, have been criticised as "discriminatory".

A new scheme announced by Health Minister Simon Harris last week outlined no human reproduction treatment would be allowed for women over the age of 47.

The Sunday Times reports that a member of the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction, has called the age limit "unfair".

Professor Mary Wingfield believes it will lead to many women having to travel abroad to avail of the service.