Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

Last week, a national evening newspaper reported that a 13 year old female non-national child was raped by a 16 year old. I do not know if any other Member read the article but I am concerned as a parent that such a thing could happen. Money has been paid over and the family of the girl will not take action because it is within their culture. I always understood rape to be a criminal act in this country and our laws must be obeyed by everybody, including immigrants, who are welcome.

Will the Leader and the Fianna Fáil spokesperson on children facilitate a debate in the House as soon as possible with the relevant Minister, whether that is Deputy Máire Hoctor or Deputy Brendan Smith? This is outrageous. It has to have been the most important story printed that day even though it was only a short article. A 13 year old was raped and the Garda's hands are apparently tied because culture is involved. If that is culture, I fail to understand the meaning of criminal intent. Something must be done about it and I will continue to raise the matter until it is addressed.