Safe Access Zones move a step closer as legislation passes all stages in the Dáil
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From: Department of Health
- Published on: 15 November 2023
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has welcomed the passing of the Health (Termination of Pregnancy) (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2023 in the Dáil this evening.
The Bill represents a significant step forward to deliver on a longstanding government commitment to ensure that anyone seeking a termination of pregnancy (TOP) can access services in safety, with dignity and privacy.
The Minister expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the development and passage of the Bill, including the Department of Justice, the HSE, An Garda Síochána, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, the Together for Safety group, healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups, legal experts, and members of the Dáil.
Minister Donnelly said:
"I would like to thank the members of the House for their time and input to debates on this complex piece of legislation. Discussions at each stage of the Bill were robust and respectful and important in ensuring that we considered all of the practical considerations involved.
"The introduction of Safe Access Zones will protect the freedom to access termination of services without impediment and the privacy and dignity of women accessing health services, as well as the service providers, and their staff in the course of their duties and responsibilities."
In July 2022 the Cabinet approved proposals to legislate for the designation of Safe Access Zones around certain healthcare premises to safeguard access to termination of pregnancy services.
The legislation will create Safe Access Zones of 100 metres from an entrance or exit to a premises where obstetricians/gynaecologists and general practitioners provide services. The Zones will also apply to hospitals that provide acute inpatient services within the meaning of Section 51 of the Health Act 1970. Within those zones, certain conduct aimed at impeding access, or influencing decisions in relation to termination of pregnancy services, will be prohibited.
Welcoming today’s milestone Minister Donnelly said:
"I am delighted that the Dáil has approved this much awaited Bill. My department worked to progress this legislation which delivers on the commitment in the Programme for Government.
"Safe access legislation is a government priority. Nobody should be harassed, insulted or intimidated or have their decision to access lawfully available healthcare services subject to attempted unsolicited influence by strangers."
The Bill will now proceed to the Seanad for consideration and the Minister hopes for similar engagement with its members to finalise the Bill as promptly as possible.