Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent)
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45. To ask the Minister for Health the timeline for the drafting and introduction of legislation on safe access zones. [41176/19]

Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
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65. To ask the Minister for Health if he will report on progress on legislation for safety zones around services that provide for the termination of pregnancy and related information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41356/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 65 together.

It is my absolute intention that people can access termination of pregnancy services safely.

My Department and An Garda Síochána have been closely monitoring the situation since termination of pregnancy services commenced in January this year. As part of our examination of the issue, I recently met with the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána. As the Deputy will be aware, I also met with Oireachtas members to discuss safe access and I plan to meet with the Oireachtas members again in the coming weeks to provide a further update.

My Department has also advised health service providers of existing legislation in place to protect them and to protect patients.

The result of the referendum last year gave the Government a strong mandate to introduce termination of pregnancy services and it remains my priority that legislation is fully implemented so that all women in Ireland can access these services quickly, easily and safely.