Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Áine Brady, to the House. Her speech, contrary to Senator Twomey's claim, outlined that female genital mutilation, FGM, is an unacceptable and unjustifiable practice with no benefits. The Minister of State referred to one challenge we face in bringing forward the heads of the Bill on FGM, that is, the provision to take action against anyone who aids or abets the practice. Frequently, we hear how it is not one but several adults involved in this practice. It is essential that legislation would provide for charges to be brought against those complicit in the practice.

I pay tribute to Senators Bacik and Prendergast for introducing this legislation on Private Members' business. I am pleased the Government has proposed an amendment to its amendment to the motion. I pay tribute to those who battle every day against FGM, often voluntarily, and who have worked hard to ensure we as legislators are aware of and take action against it. All research shows this practice is often undertaken against children between the ages of four and ten. FGM is a physical and barbaric assault on a child. It is clearly an act of violence against women, constitutes child abuse and is a criminal act.

The reason behind the introduction of this Private Members' Bill is to put to bed any ambiguity regarding the practice and introduce appropriate actions in response to it. It is important all State agencies treat FGM as a criminal and abusive act even while we are waiting for the Government's legislation. There is an onus on anyone who is aware of the practice taking place in Ireland to come forward to report it. It is unacceptable that any child could be subject to this while the legislation is being prepared.

Shauna Page, a PhD student at the University of Ulster, is researching gender-based violence and its human rights context. She has pointed out that rape is often cited as an act of violence against women but not FGM. We have heard justifications for the practice but none of them stacks up. There is no cultural aspect to it or religious justification for it.

I agree with colleagues that legislation alone is not sufficient. We need to bring about an attitude change in which education will play an important role. It must focus not just on the dangers or the consequences of the practice but the fact that a life sentence is passed on people to live with its consequences. Education programmes and literature would allow people to confirm for themselves the dangers of the practice and not have to take our word on it. There is a role for overseas development aid with the EU as a contributor and consumer being influential in bringing about cultural changes in other countries. I wish the Minister of State well in the drafting of the legislation.