Abortion exclusion zones outside hospitals and GP clinics that offer abortion will be dealt with in legislation to be fast tracked through the Oireachtas later this year, according to the Irish Examiner.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has finalised the General Scheme of a Bill to introduce the so-called “safe access zones” that would prevent pro-life prayer vigils, offers of help, or visible protests in the vicinity of places that administer abortion.

A Government source is cited that party leaders were recently briefed on the measures and a memo was circulated to Cabinet ministers Monday evening detailing the General Scheme of Bill.

As part of the drafting of the Bill, senior counsel was brought in to review it from a constitutional and human rights perspective. The Office of the Attorney General was also consulted as was the Department of Justice.

Protesters will not be allowed to gather within 100 metres of specified healthcare facilities and the legislation will be fast-tracked through the Dáil and Seanad.