Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1395. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the safe access to termination of pregnancy bill. [42784/21]

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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1415. To ask the Minister for Health the steps that have been taken to date to introduce safe access zone legislation to stop the practices of protests and vigils outside medical premises; when this legislation will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42879/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1395 and 1415 together.

The Programme for Government 'Our Shared Future' contains a commitment to "Establish exclusion zones around medical facilities" and the Minister is committed to ensuring safe access to termination of pregnancy services. 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 any other actions relating to termination of pregnancy. The Department of Health is in regular contact with the HSE and has liaised with An Garda Síochána on safe access to services.

The Garda National Protective Services Bureau issued a notice to all Garda stations raising awareness about the issue. It 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 to services that provide termination of pregnancy.

Officials in my Department continue to prioritise safe access to termination of pregnancy services and to examine legislative options in this area.