Written answers

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Photo of Richard O'DonoghueRichard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent)
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2015. To ask the Minister for Health his views on protests of a distressing nature outside the Maternity Hospital, Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19581/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to assure the Deputy that ensuring access to termination of pregnancy services remains an ongoing priority for the Department of Health.

Since services under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 commenced in January 2019, there has been a limited number of reports of protests or other actions relating to termination of pregnancy. This is an extremely positive development, suggesting that termination of pregnancy services have bedded in relatively smoothly to date and are becoming a normal part of the Irish healthcare system, in line with Government policy.

However, where problems do arise with protests outside health care services, there is existing public order legislation in place to protect people accessing services, employees working in the service and local residents. The Department of Health has previously liaised with An Garda Síochána around safe access to termination of pregnancy services, and the Garda National Protective Services Bureau issued a notice to all Garda Stations raising awareness about the issue. The notice directed that any protests be monitored, and breaches of existing law dealt with.

The Department has provided information on existing public order and other relevant legislation to the HSE. The Department also informed the HSE that An Garda Síochána advised that service providers should contact their local Superintendent to initiate a local solution, tailored to the circumstances and needs of each individual case, and to establish contacts for the service provider to call upon should the need arise. An Garda Síochána also advised that any protests or actions giving rise to a concern should be brought to its notice.

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