Mr. Muiris O'Connor:

On the Deputy's second point, we were aware of the HSE submission and it corresponds to what its representatives relayed to us as regards the situation on the ground. We absolutely appreciate the distress and anxiety involved. There is evidence from other jurisdictions where such protest happen on the distress that is felt beyond the incident itself. It can be a very uncomfortable experience for women trying to access services.

Head 4 relates to the prohibited conduct. In striking the right balance of proportionality, we are not excluding protest from these zones. The identification and definition of prohibited conduct is set out in head 4. It is the subject of ongoing meticulous further development by the Department in consultation with and with the support of the Office of the Attorney General. It sets out the types of interference we wish to make illegal within the safe access zones. Interfering or attempting to interfere by any means with a service provider or any person-----