Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2019
87. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if a definitive date will be provided for the introduction of exclusion safe zones for persons accessing abortion services at general practitioner surgeries or hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27804/19]
View answer462. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health when the legislation for exclusion zones will be ready. [28040/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 462 together.
It was my original intention to provide for safe access to termination of pregnancy services in the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018. However, a number of legal issues were identified which necessitated further consideration and advice.
In order to allow full consideration of these issues, Government approved the drafting of a separate piece of legislation.
Officials in the Department of Health are working with the Office of the Attorney General to examine the issue of safe access, including the current situation, and national and international rights and obligations in this area, and will be making a further submission to me in the coming weeks.
I will be happy to provide the Deputies with a further update as soon as one is available.
