Legislative Measures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2022

Tuesday, 18 October 2022

Questions (820)

Carol Nolan

Question:

820. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the reason that "exclusion zones", as referred to in commitment in the Programme for Government, are now being referred to as "safe access zones" in the general scheme of the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2022; the reason that this change of language was necessary; if the proposed change of language was suggested to his Department by any statutory body, non-governmental organisation or campaign group; if so, the name of that organisation; the reason for the substantive difference between an "exclusion zone" and a "safe access zone"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51871/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I am committed to ensuring that anyone needing a termination of pregnancy can access services in safety, and with privacy and dignity.

Safe Access Zones Legislation has been prioritised in the Government’s Autumn Legislative Programme, and officials in my Department, are engaging intensively with the Office of the Attorney General and relevant stakeholders to progress this legislation as expeditiously as possible.

Various terminology has been used interchangeably in respect of the concept of safe access zones. The terminology adopted for this legislation represents the most commonly understood. The draft legislation defines safe access zones and associated prohibited conduct and these aspects of the legislation outline the meaning and purpose of same.