The Minister for Health has affirmed that there are measures in place to protect women seeking abortions.

He was replying to a question from Laois Offaly TD, Carol Nolan.

She asked him to comment on the status of commitments to introduce ‘exclusion zones’, which would stop even prayer vigils near abortion facilities, and if he had further consultation with the Garda Commissioner on the matter.

Yesterday, he replied that the Programme for Government contains a commitment to “Establish exclusion zones around medical facilities”.

He said it was originally intended to provide for “safe access” to abortion facilities in the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018. However, a number of legal issues were identified which necessitated further consideration and advice.

“Women and healthcare staff should be assured that there is existing legislation in place to protect them and to protect patients.  My Department has communicated with the HSE to advise on this legislation, and I understand that a communication issued to hospitals and GPs in this regard.”