Published on
Statement by the Minister for Health Stepehn Donnelly TD on exclusion zones around healthcare facilities
Press release: August 7 2021
As Minister for Health, I am fully committed to the introduction of legislation on safe access zones around our healthcare facilities. This commitment is in the Programme for Government.
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.
Officials in the Department of Health continue to work with me to ensure safe access around medical facilities.
I have also been engaging with a range of stakeholders and civil society groups in relation to the review of the Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy Act which is being finalised with a view to it starting in the coming weeks.
A priority for me as Minister for Health is women’s healthcare and the provision of safe services for all women.
ENDS