Sir, - My query (April 5th), far from being frivolous, sought to ascertain whether it is legitimate for the State to tax its citizens to provide free surgical services for other than medical reasons. As Eileen O'Driscoll (April 12th) points out, vasectomy operations are a matter of personal choice, thus not a medical necessity. Her economic argument is weakened by the fact that health board hospitals are obliged to offer surgical services free to all income groups.
The point made by Marjorie Casey (April 12th) is fair, and it might be noble for an individual to undergo an operation to protect the health of another. However, I think it unlikely, or indeed practical, that health board staff would restrict this operation to such individuals.
It is worth noting that neither VHI or BUPA covers the cost of vasectomy for their subscribers. - Yours, etc.,
Castle Court, Booterstown, Co Dublin.