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.
‘Safe Access Zones’ is the term used in the neighbouring jurisdictions of Scotland and Northern Ireland when referring to similar purpose legislation, (or proposed legislation). It has also been used to refer to analogous legislation in parts of Australia.
Moreover, the term “safe access zones” most accurately captures the purpose and intent of this legislation, which is to ensure that anyone needing a termination of pregnancy can access services in safety, and with privacy and dignity.
The draft legislation defines safe access zones and associated prohibited conduct and these aspects of the legislation outline the meaning and purpose of same.