Dutch campaigners who brought a floating abortion clinic to Ireland plan to sail the vessel from Dublin to Cork this week, a spokesman said today.
The Women on Waves Foundation has been unable to carry out offshore abortions as planned because it lacks the Dutch certification necessary but says it has been offering termination advice and free contraception to Irish women.
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"We think this visit has been a great success. In raising the issue we are breaking the silence of women," said Mr Brendan Young, press officer for the Irish chapter of Women on Waves.
"We couldn't provide for the needs of Irish women but this has highlighted the urgency of the need for change."
The group had initially said it would offer terminations aboard the converted fishing vessel Aurorain international waters where Ireland's abortion regulations would not apply.
Mr Young said since the boat docked in Dublin last Thursday more than 300 women had been in contact seeking abortions.
He said inquiries had reduced since the weekend when it became clear the vessel would not be able to provide abortions but a "steady trickle" of women had visited the boat seeking advice and contraceptives such as the "morning-after pill."
Organisers say the Aurorawill leave Dublin for Cork on Thursday and arrive on Friday and will offer a similar advice and contraception service until it leaves Ireland on Monday.