Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1238. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health to provide an update in relation to the progression of the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2023; and can he confirm that this bill will be completed in the lifetime of this current Dáil term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11645/24]
View answerI am committed to ensuring safe access to termination of pregnancy services.
I secured Cabinet approval to legislate for the designation of safe access zones around healthcare premises to safeguard access to termination of pregnancy services in July 2022 and published the General Scheme of the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services (Safe Access Zones) in August 2022. Since that time officials have worked with the Office of the Attorney General and other relevant stakeholders to draft the text of a bill. This Bill was published at the end of June 2023, and initiated in the Dail in early July. It has now passed all stages in Dail Eireann and is currently at Committee Stage in Seanad Eireann. It is my intention that the Bill will be enacted as expeditiously as possible.
