Image via Pixabay100 metre safe access zones around healthcare settings which provide abortions are to be given the green light by cabinet today.
The bill would it illegal to take part in any activity aimed at influencing the decision of someone seeking an abortion within 100 metres of a healthcare setting.
This would include protests, handing out leaflets or the displays of white crosses and coffins seen outside the National Maternity Hospital.
The zones will effectively apply around all hospitals, GP practices and Wellwoman or Irish Family Planning Association services.
Penalties will be graduated starting with a warning from Gardaí and escalating to the courts - with maximum sentences still to be established.
The Minister plans for the changes to abortion protests to be made law before the end of the year.
