Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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822. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the proposals and work that have been carried out to ensure safe access zones are available to those accessing abortion services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52133/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I would like to assure the Deputy that I am committed to ensuring safe access to termination of pregnancy services. The issue is included in the Programme for Government Our Shared Future(2020), and it remains an ongoing priority.

It was originally intended to provide for safe access to termination of pregnancy services in the 2018 Act. However, a number of complex legal and policy 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 any 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. In addition, it is likely that the settings in which services are being offered – in general practice and in maternity hospitals – have contributed to protecting patient privacy. However, we are aware of reports of some protests which have caused distress to those accessing and providing services.

My Department 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.

I plan to have proposals for safe access on the legislative programme as soon as possible.