A number of amendments designed to curb the worst excesses of a bill setting up exclusion zones around facilities offering abortions were all defeated in the Seanad last week.

Independent Senator Sharon Keogan offered one change that would allow discussion of abortion in nearby facilities such as a coffee shop without thereby incurring a possible criminal prosecution. Her proposal was seconded by Independent NUI Senator Ronan Mullen.

The amendment failed.

Another proposal would have removed prayer and counselling from the list of prohibited actions the Bill proscribes. This too was rejected.

After the seven moderating amendments were rejected, Senator Keogan re-iterated her dismay at the extreme scope of the legislation as it is written. She told the Seanad her only issue was “to protect the right to assembly, the right to protest and our right to prayer in public places”.

She added: “As long as there is breath in me I will defend these rights”.