James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputies who spoke on the Bill for their useful contributions and continued co-operation in advancing it. The Bill will return to the Seanad for its consideration of the two amendments that the Dáil introduced on Committee Stage. One was a technical amendment to update section 14 and the other was recommended by the Parliamentary Counsel to make specific provisions in section 16 for the commencement of the Bill. These provisions are desirable to clarify that the Bill is not retrospective and to ensure that no one will be charged under the Act until it is published in both official languages.

I emphasise that we in Ireland are in the fortunate position of being able to take a proactive approach to the prevention of FGM. We have the opportunity and duty to protect girl children and women in practising communities living in Ireland from undergoing this procedure. While legislation alone is never sufficient to tackle a problem of this gravity, the enactment of this Bill, which specifically prohibits FGM and includes extra-territorial provisions, will be a vital step in preventing FGM from taking hold in this country. The Bill, if and when enacted, will act as a powerful deterrent and will potentially empower practising communities living in Ireland to resist pressure from their countries of origin to preserve this custom, which we know to be misguided.

From speaking with non-governmental organisations, NGOs, and public health services, we know that the summer is the time when girls are most at risk of being victims of FGM, with families travelling back to practising countries during the school holidays. Therefore, I hope that the Bill can be re-examined and passed by the Seanad, enacted and commenced before the summer recess.

Once more, I thank Senator Bacik for raising this issue in the Seanad, encouraging the Government of the day to commence the preparation of the Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Bill 2011 and giving the current Bill her continued support during its passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

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