Pressure is mounting on the Minister for Health to legislate for safe access zones around clinics that provide abortion services with the Oireachtas Women's caucus agreeing to write to him "as a matter of urgency". The Health Minister has insisted he is "fully committed" to legislating for safe access zones around clinics that provide abortion services. The group, which met during the week, discussed the issue and sources have confirmed that there was broad agreement by those present that safe access zones should be implemented as a matter of urgency. No timelines for the introduction of such safe access zones have been provided by the government. Mr Donnelly has previously said that officials in his department "continue to work with me to ensure safe access around medical facilities".

Source: Irish Examiner September 12, 2021 19:30 UTC