Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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2649. To ask the Minister for Health his response to Limerick Council’s motion for him to urgently bring in legislation to create safe access zones around healthcare centres, including Limerick Maternity Hospital in view of ongoing protests taking place there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38648/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Ensuring access to termination of pregnancy services remains an ongoing priority for the Department of Health.

It was originally intended to provide for safe access to termination of pregnancy services in the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018. However, a number of legal issues were identified which necessitated further consideration.

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.

I am aware that there have been some reports of protests outside University Maternity Hospital Limerick (UMHL) recently. However, University of Limerick Hospital Group has reported that UMHL has not received any complaints from staff or service users about protests at the hospital. The Hospital Group has confirmed that ensuring the safety of patients is their first priority, and has stated that there is no issue around to safety of access.

Where problems 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 for appropriate distribution.

Services for termination of pregnancy under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 have continued to function during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is regular ongoing engagement between my Department and the HSE to facilitate the smooth-running of the service and to resolve any issues that may arise.