Complex issues muddy timeline for enacting Safe Access Zones legislation

Social Democrat TD Roisin Shortall (pictured) said based on discussions with gardaí about stopping protests outside Direct Provision centres or politicians’ homes, she was told: “They said they have no powers, that was said very categorically to me.” File picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

Anti-abortion protests are already taking place outside medical centres, but a timeline for enacting Safe Access Zones legislation is not yet clear, the Oireachtas Health Committee heard on Wednesday.

The legislation has been promised since March of last year, but Department of Health officials said a number of complex issues continue under advice. They now expect the bill could be published within weeks but enactment will take longer.