Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

439. To ask the Minister for Health the timeframe for the introduction of legislation to ensure safe access to premises in which termination of pregnancy services may be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8365/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, it is my intention to introduce legislation to ensure safe access to premises in which termination of pregnancy services may be provided. The aim 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 are working with the Office of the Attorney General on this legislation with a view to having a General Scheme by the summer.