Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
790. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of his plans to introduce exclusion zones for protests around health institutions such as general practitioner offices and hospitals in view of recent events; the timescale he is working to in order to deliver these exclusion zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1600/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is my intention to introduce legislation to ensure safe access to premises in which termination of pregnancy services may be provided. The intention of the legislation would be to allow patients, service providers, healthcare staff and members of the public to enter such premises without fear of intimidation or harassment.
While it was originally intended to provide for such safe access in the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018, a number of legal issues were identified during the drafting process. In order to allow full consideration of these issues, Government approved the drafting of a separate piece of legislation on safe access to health services.
Officials in my Department will work with the Office of the Attorney General on this legislation.
