Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister and congratulate her on spelling out to us what the Health Service Executive, on behalf of the Irish Government, has been doing and its awareness of female genital mutilation. It is only right that what has been happening would be put on the record.

I agree 100% with the points made by Senator Twomey. In the environment in which this practice is carried out, women are second class citizens. They do not have equality with men. It is used to keep them in their place.

I compliment Senator Bacik, supported by Senator Phil Prendergast, on bringing forward the legislation to prevent this practice happening in our own country, but I agree with Senator Twomey. This is not just about culture. It is savage, violent and brutal. It is abuse and should not be tolerated. People who carry out this practice should be reported.

This is about women's lack of education. We have seen in our own country that when women are educated they become self-confident and are able to stand up for themselves.

In a much more benign way this reminds me of the churching of women after the birth of children.