Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 9 November 2022
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health
General Scheme of the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services (Safe Access Zones)) Bill 2022: An Garda Síochána
Ms Anne Marie McMahon:
This goes to the nub of the issue. Where does the 100 m zone begin and end? That is from both perspectives. We are talking about two competing rights here and we have to respect both. It is really important that both sides know when an infringement is taking place and, equally, when a party should, could and is entitled to expect that free access zone. It is about being clear so that we can be fair with everybody and that there is no ambiguity on where the zone begins and ends.
In terms of prosecution, if we work our way though all the four Es, this will end up in court. As a result, it is really important that everyone is clear on what the parameters are and when they are infringed, regardless of one's perspective.
No comments