Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Many of the questions I was going to ask have been covered. I just want to echo what others have said about the urgency of progressing this legislation, especially as expressed in many of the submissions received. I refer to the frequency of anti-abortion protests in Ireland and the major negative effects this has had on pregnant people. I might have missed parts of this morning's meeting, and I apologise if I did, because I was in and out. I wish to talk a little about policing. I ask the witnesses to elaborate on how they envisage that. Forgive me if I this issue has been raised already.

I agree completely with Deputy Bríd Smith concerning the public awareness campaign. This is vital. I was happy to hear the Department will take this on board. Studies have shown that anti-abortion protests outside clinics have major and long-lasting negative effects on women's well-being and can deter them from accessing medical care. It is important, therefore, that all stakeholders know what to expect if this legislation is to work effectively. I am also aware that the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, ICCL, has suggested a nationwide awareness programme to inform stakeholders. I was happy to hear the Department is to take this suggestion on board.

As I said, many of the other questions I was going to ask have been posed already. I would like to hear a little more about policing because I may have missed that. I also again encourage the Department to work on the public awareness issue.