Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:218. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the work that has been carried out to ensure safe access zones are available to those accessing abortion services. [46957/21]
View answerWednesday, 29 September 2021
Questions (218)
Written answers
I am committed to ensuring safe access to termination of pregnancy services, and the area remains an ongoing priority.
Since services under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 commenced in January 2019, termination of pregnancy services have bedded in relatively smoothly to date. This is an extremely positive development, suggesting that termination of pregnancy services are becoming a normal part of the Irish healthcare system, in line with Government policy. However, I am aware of reports of some protests which have caused distress to those accessing and providing services.
The Department of Health is in regular contact with the HSE and has liaised with An Garda Síochána on safe access to services. The Garda National Protective Services Bureau issued a notice to all Garda stations raising awareness about the issue. It directed that any protests be monitored, and breaches of existing law dealt with. The Department has provided information on existing public order and other relevant legislation to the HSE for appropriate distribution to services that provide termination of pregnancy.
Officials in my Department continue to prioritise safe access to termination of pregnancy services and to examine legislative options in this area. I plan to have proposals for safe access zones on the legislative programme for Spring 2022.