Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2023
644. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of proposed 'safe access zones' that Tailte Éireann and his Department estimate will be created by the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42498/23]
View answer645. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health whether the proposed 'safe access zone' legislation will apply to institutions whereby a healthcare provider is located within a larger campus, for example, a university or hospital complex; if the 100-metre zone extends around the whole institution in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42499/23]
View answer646. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if the proposed 'safe access zone' legislation will apply to situations whereby a healthcare provider is located within or adjacent to a family home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42500/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 644, 645 and 646 together.
I am committed to ensuring safe access to termination of pregnancy services.
Officials from my Department have worked with the Office of the Attorney General, Tailte Éireann, and other relevant stakeholders to develop the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2023 .
This Bill designates Safe Access Zones of 100 meters from an entrance or exit to the land and buildings that form part of the premises where obstetricians/gynecologists and general practitioners provide services. The Zones will also apply to hospitals that provide acute inpatient services within the meaning of Section 51 of the Health Act 1970. I am not in a position to specify the number of zones.
In instances where the healthcare provider is operating from a shared premises, the Zones will apply to the part of the building where the health services are provided and to any other part of that premises (including land or buildings) that is used for the purposes of accessing those services.
Safe Access Zones can in certain circumstances include private property.
Within those Zones certain conduct aimed at impeding access or influencing decisions in relation to termination of pregnancy services will be prohibited. However such conduct only becomes an offence if it continues after a Garda warning has been issued.
