Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)

I support the previous speakers in regard to this amendment. A loophole is being left open by not dealing with women over the age of 18 years. The reality is that the probability of somebody being prosecuted under this legislation is very slim. What is critically important is the message it sends.

I have spoken to some of the people who are very involved in this and we need to put in place strong legislation in Ireland and in other European jurisdictions. When families which are educated and know the issues involved return home, the level of family and peer pressure they face in their home country, or country of origin, is substantial. The best argument a family which is well educated and concerned about the health of the its female members can make is that if this practice is carried out, they could be prosecuted when they return to Ireland. People involved in fighting against FGM internationally argue that this is a very strong argument which people can put forward in their home community.

Other than the issue with which we will deal shortly in regard to girls under the age of 18 years, this issue of women over 18 years of age needs to be closed off. A clear message must be sent that no matter what the age of the woman involved is, prosecutions can take place in this jurisdiction.

That can be then used by families when they return to their country of origin in that they can state there is a strong probability they will be prosecuted when they return to Ireland because of the way the legislation there is constructed.

We do not envisage that female genital mutilation, FGM, will be physically practised in this jurisdiction. In all probability it will be practised in a third country. It is important we give the families who do not want this practice done to the female members of their family the tools to make that argument. One hopes that as a result of the education process that must take place the majority of such families who live in Ireland or within the European Union will be of that view when they return to their country of origin.

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