Green Party Councillor for Botanic Áine Groogan has reacted to the news that Safe Access Zones will be set up across all NI trust areas from Friday 29th September.

Cllr Groogan said “It is great to see Safe Access Zones are finally being established, after the passing of Green enabling legislation from the previous assembly mandate."

"No-one should be forced to endure a torrent of abuse or harassment whilst trying to access legal healthcare anywhere in Northern Ireland, thankfully this legislation provides the means to achieving that."

"The Safe Access Zones Act was the product of having Green MLA's in the assembly, fighting to change peoples lives for the better and will be a lasting legacy of the incredible work of Green Party MLA's. I want to pay huge kudos to Clare Bailey, her team, and campaigners who organised for years to make this change happen."

"Now, it is for the department, under the direction of either the permanent secretary or the secretary of state to finally establish services for providing abortion healthcare to all who need it. So that everyone across NI has Free, Safe, Legal and Local access to abortion, as is their right."

ENDS