Don Lydon (Fianna Fail)

Last week I called for a debate on the issue of female genital mutilation. The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children has spoken out against this barbaric custom which has reached our shores. Yesterday, Senator Cox asked for a debate on women's equality issues and, if the Leader so desired, this could be part of that debate.

In one of yesterday's newspapers an article described the plight of two women who were sentenced to death by stoning for adultery when the two men involved walked free due to lack of evidence. We have to speak out against the horrific and barbaric customs and practices that are perpetrated only against women. I call for a debate on this area as soon as possible.