Safe-access zones legislation
Deputy Richmond called for legislation to protect patients from protests outside medical practices and asked for condemnation of intimidation. The Minister said safe-access zone legislation was being prioritised and would be brought forward soon.
Yesterday, patients of the GP practice in my village of Stepaside became the latest to be subjected to an act of sheer obstruction and intimidation by so-called protesters, simply because that medical practice offers full maternal and reproductive care, as per the laws of this land.
I am by no means the first Deputy or Senator to raise this in these Houses and I fear I will not be the last. When will the Government bring forward genuine safe-access zone legislation to protect all the patients of this land? Will the Minister condemn those who engage in these acts of destruction and blatant intimidation?
Comment on this
I understand the legislation to provide for safe-access zones is being prioritised by the Minister for Health and is actively being worked on. It is a priority item of legislation and will be brought to Government and published and will commence its legislative journey shortly.