Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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533. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of reports of anti-abortion protests that have been reported outside medical centres, GP clinics or hospitals that violate the 100 metre safe access zones under the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Act 2024; if Gardaí have issued any warnings under the legislation; if so, the number of warnings that have been issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5700/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The right to protest is guaranteed under the Constitution.

Of course, people do not have the right to behave in a way that causes others to fear for their safety, and An Garda Síochána monitors protest activity where there is potential for breaches of public order. The rule of law, human rights and the principle of proportionality are respected at all times. The policing of any protest is of course an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a search of the PULSE database has been conducted and they have confirmed that no prosecutions have been initiated under the relevant legislation.

I am further informed that while a Garda member may make a written record of a warning issued, it is not possible to provide data on the number of such warnings.