Minister for Health Simon Harris has criticised controversial comments about IVF treatment made by Tullamore's Catholic Parish on social media over Christmas.
The post on the group's Facebook page, which has since been removed, said IVF treatment was incompatible with the Catholic faith.
It said: "The process of IVF damages embryonic stem cells and thus life and is therefore completely, clearly and totally incompatible with our Catholic faith. For all believers in God, all life is sacred at all times."
The post was made days after Mr Harris announced a €2 million support plan to help people with fertility issues access public service consultations.
Mr Harris described the comments as "extremely hurtful".
"The comments were, I am sure unintentionally, extremely hurtful to many families who are struggling with fertility issues".
He continued: "I thought and certainly hoped we had moved to a point as a country that this sort of inappropriate interference in decisions that individuals and couples make about their own lives would be left to them".
The page has since posted an apology online, saying they were sorry for the "great distress" the comments had caused.
It continued: "Matters concerning fertility are sacred and sensitive, and all children are cherished and God-given, this is the essence of the Christmas message.
"The parish understands the great suffering experienced by mothers and fathers who long for a child. At this time, we offer our pastoral and prayerful support to all parents and expectant parents."
