Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

It is important we make a clear statement of intent to sign the Council of Europe convention on FGM and the record shows that this is the Minister's and the Government's intention. Signing it would deal with the whole issue of dual criminality and leave the situation with certainty in the future. Will the Minister indicate if it is the Government's intention to ratify the convention? When does he expect it will be concluded?

I must hand over to my colleague, Deputy Colreavy, for the remaining amendments as I have another meeting to address on another not too dissimilar issue of mutilation, namely symphysiotomy, a practice that was carried out years ago in hospitals here which we will debate tomorrow. Before I withdraw from the Chamber, I want to record my welcome and support for the Bill's passage. While I have endeavoured to improve and strengthen it, I acknowledge we will not oppose its passage. We support the passage of this welcome and long overdue legislation. Well done that it is at this point. I hope it will cover all areas we want without exception. I hope my and other Members' concerns will prove groundless over time.

I apologise for leaving but my colleague will advise me if the Minister was able to shed any further light on the ratification of the convention.

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