Mary White (Fianna Fail)

Having sat alongside the Minister at the Joint Committee on Health and Children for some years, I am optimistic and pleased that the health portfolio is in his hands. His speech was thoroughly prepared and demonstrated a deep knowledge of the issue. Senators are privileged that he has come before the House in person to deal with the Bill. I also compliment Senator Ivana Bacik and Senator Jillian van Turnhout, chief executive of Children's Rights Alliance, on driving forward this issue. Senators are delighted to have Senator van Turnhout's expertise in the Seanad.

The Bill aims to protect women in Ireland from female genital mutilation. It defines acts of female genital mutilation as indisputable criminal offences and highlights the offence of transporting females from Ireland to carry out this intrusive procedure elsewhere. The Minister has cited a number of frightening statistics, for example, that between 100 million and 140 million women, including 3,000 women in Ireland, have been subjected to genital mutilation. It is alarming that before the end of today, a further 6,000 women and female children around the world will have been subjected to this practice. The Minister has also noted that female genital mutilation does not have any health benefits. He has detailed the severe pain, shock, haemorrhaging and serious psychological trauma victims experience and referred to the practice being performed without sterile equipment or the use of an anaesthetic.

Last year, at my own expense, I visited Malawi to open educational facilities, including classrooms and houses for teachers, which had been funded by the staff of Louth County Council. I was left in no doubt that the reason the practice of female genital mutilation continued was a lack of education, resources and power among women in the countries in which it was practised.

I am sorry I will not be present for the rest of the debate. I enjoyed the Minister's speech and commend his passion. It is pleasing to note the seriousness with which the issue of female genital mutilation is being treated by the Department.