Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)

I move amendment No. 6:

In page 6, between lines 12 and 13, to insert the following:

"6.--A person shall be guilty of an offence if the person aids, abets or incites a girl or woman to do to herself an act of female genital mutilation.".

We urge the inclusion of this amendment. It may be difficult to prove such an offence, but the provision's inclusion would send out a strong message to the effect that female genital mutilation, FGM, and efforts to circumvent the law cannot be tolerated. This issue is concerned with the disempowerment of girls and women. Often, such is the power exercised over them that they can be coerced into carrying out this act on themselves. Our amendment would strengthen the Bill in this regard.

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