Lisa McDonald (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Corrigan for sharing her time with me. I support Senator Bacik's Bill. It is a great example of how useful the Seanad can be in raising important issues and pushing them to the fore. This was seen by Members on this side of the House liaising with the Minister of State to bring about the introduction of the legislation in a shorter timeframe. While I accept the need to get the legislation right, when women's basic human rights and bodily integrity are being violated, even six months is still too long.

Senator Bacik was correct in including a provision on aiding and abetting the practice. Community education and involving the stakeholders is important. There may well be people in this country who will bring their daughters back to their home countries effectively to be mutilated. However, we must be careful not to be seen as being Eurocentric or culturally insensitive to them. None the less, it is a barbaric act which affects the health of the women who undergo the practice. No cultural practice can override health and bodily integrity. That is the message that must be sent from the Seanad.

Before the Easter recess, the Seanad debated domestic violence and child abuse by the Catholic church. Aspects of the closed door approach and failure to prevent these abuses were raised by many Members. It is important we now move as quickly as possible against FGM. If the Government Bill can be introduced in the House before the summer, we would be doing very well. Where there is a will, there is a way.

Senator Bacik has worked hard on many women's issues and she has got support from many of the women on this side of the House. She must be praised for bringing this matter to the fore. I must also praise the other women Members who have spoken on this Bill as well as the gentlemen Senators. These issues are important and affect many women's lives. As I point out when debating other women's issues such as prostitution, how would people feel if it were their sister involved.