Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I welcome this amendment. I commend the Minister and his officials for including this provision in the Bill, as the Minister indicated in his Second Stage speech he would. It is important that victims of FGM would have an opportunity, if they so wish, to speak to the court in regard to the impact the offence has had upon them. It has very important and significant for victims of sexual and other offences against the person to have this facility in the court room. I commend the Minister for including this provision in the Bill.