Joe O'Reilly (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to speak to these amendments. Their intent is to remove loopholes from the Bill which might allow an escape clause for any individuals concerned with this barbaric crime. It is an excellent intention and I welcome it.

I fully agree with the sentiments expressed by Deputy Naughten on the Government adopting the Council of Europe convention on domestic violence. It is necessary that we do so and as I support the view that we should do so. It is of great importance and is very urgent. I had the privilege of leading the Irish delegation to the Council of Europe and parliamentary assembly. Having been a member of it during its last term, I am aware there is huge regard for Ireland and our record on human rights in Europe. We have a five-star rating on human rights in the eyes of most criticisms.

To further consolidate and enhance that we should sign up to the convention as a matter of urgency. It is the right thing to do for Ireland within the Council of Europe and internationally, and is ethically, morally and, by any criteria, the right thing to do. I hope to hear the Minister, Deputy Reilly, give a commitment in the Chamber to sign up to the convention with great urgency.

I support the tenor of the amendments. Any loophole which would allow people to go to a country where FGM is not illegal and thus escape the law should be prevented and everything possible should be built into the Bill to copper-fasten the law. At a minimum we should be in a position to deport people involved in FGM. In an ideal world we should be able to go further than that and prosecute them. It is the view of the representatives of the communities involved from newcomer populations, as outlined by Deputy Ó Caoláin.

I am strongly of the view that we should remove any potential for duplicity, malpractice or escape hatches in that regard. I am also strongly of the view that we should, as a matter of absolute urgency and within the shortest possible period of time, sign up to the Council of Europe convention on domestic violence. That is a sine qua non for the Government in terms of our great record and standing within the Council of Europe. It is important to maintain and consolidate it, and continue to adhere to its noble objectives.

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