Is it time to introduce exclusion zones outside hospitals, doctors surgeries and abortion clinics?

The issue has been raised again following an anti-abortion protest outside the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street last weekend, where protesters were seen carrying baby-sized coffins.

Labour Party senator Ivana Bacik says legislation needs to be introduced to prevent intimidation of women accessing services.

"These were not respectful or dignified protests. They were deeply offensive and insensitive."

"I think we need to balance the right to protest against right of access to services."

Maeve O'Hanlon of the Pro-Life Campaign says protests outside such locations "have been few and far between."

"To push for no protest of any kind outside somewhere where abortion is provided is a totally disproportionate response."

Listen to the interview in full by pressing the play button on this page.