Anyone repeatedly protesting outside medical centres that provide abortions could face a 2,500 fine or six months in prison.

Cabinet is today expected to approve new laws for 'safe access zones'.

These new laws are aimed at clamping down on anyone protesting outside or close to medical facilities which provide terminations of pregnancy.

It'll see a 100 metre buffer zone imposed outside the premises, within which protests, impeding access or attempts to influence a woman's decision to have an abortion will be outlawed.

People will be allowed to protest outside the buffer zone and the penalties will only kick in after gardaí have given an initial warning.

If anyone continues to protest or breach the law after that warning they could be brought to the District Court where escalating penalties will apply for repeat offences. They're up to a maximum fine of 2,500 euro or six months in prison.

The bill is expected to begin its passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas before the summer break.