Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly is to seek approval to introduce legislation on so-called “Safe Access Zones”.

The laws propose buffer zones of 100 metres around any healthcare facilities that can provide or administer abortion, and not just those that do so.

This will, in effect, see the introduction of exclusion zones around all hospitals, GP practices and Wellwoman or Irish family Planning Association services.

The laws would prohibit, within these zones, any activity that is “intended to, or may reasonably have the effect of, influencing the decision of a person in relation to availing of or providing services relating to termination of pregnancy”.

A graduated system of penalties is proposed, starting with a warning from gardaí.

Some offences would be prosecuted summarily and more serous offences could be indictable before a judge and jury, with penalties including a jail sentence.

It is hoped the legislation can begin the process of pre-legislative scrutiny in September and can be introduced before the end of the year.