Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I very much share the Deputy's view in regard to female genital mutilation. I have spoken to the Attorney General about this matter and he assured me that it is covered under the Offences Against the Person Act. I have spoken to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in regard to Juliet Imiruaye and he has agreed to give her a stay of six months while he reviews the case. I very much hope as a result of that stay of six months and the review he will be in a position to allow her to stay on humanitarian grounds because she has made a major impact in Ireland in regard to this issue.

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