Annie Hoey (Labour) | Oireachtas source

First of all, I want to second the amendment to the Order of Business.

I will take a moment to reflect on my former party colleague, Niamh Bhreathnach. Much has been said about the incredible legacy she left in education. The word "reformer" has been used to describe how she pioneered change in that sector. She was also an incredible person on a personal level. I often say the only reason I got involved in politics is because Deputy Ged Nash asked me to run. However, the only reason I was ever in a position to be asked to run was because I met Niamh Bhreathnach a couple of years beforehand when I collected her and her husband Tom in my car, which was literally falling apart. It was one of those cars that had a bit of a knack to it. I could see the road through the floor. I was mortified that I was picking up this giant of education to drive her to a student union event but she was brilliant. She stayed and she encouraged me despite not knowing me. She remained in contact with me and encouraged me every step of the way in all sorts of different things I did that built me into the activist that I became. For many people, particularly women in the Labour Party, Niamh carried us up through the ranks with her incredible enthusiasm, her incredible support and her immensely lively sense of humour. On our journey, she laughed the whole way through as she looked at the road - it was far from a ministerial car - and I hoped the bottom did not fall out of the car. She was real character and an absolute sensation in our party. She will be sorely missed.

Yesterday at St. Patrick's campus, I launched the AkiDwA guide, the second guide on female genital mutilation, FGM, for educators. The guide is updated with current information. For those who are not aware, the first case convicted in Ireland relating to FGM involved a 21-month-old girl. It was only 2020 that the person was convicted. It is still very much an issue that we need to be concerned about in Ireland. AkiDwA is calling for a national action plan against FGM. I remind those who think that FGM is not an issue here that there are over 1,600 girls at risk of FGM in Ireland. I encourage everyone to take a look at the guide that was released yesterday.