Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I move amendment No. 1:

To delete all words after "That" and substitute the following:

"Seanad Éireann, condemning in the strongest terms female infanticide and all other violations of the rights of women and girls,

— commends the Government's firm opposition to such practices and its efforts to combat all forms of gender-based violence;

— endorses the Government's strong support for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls through its Official Development Assistance Programme.".

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Perry, to the House and the opportunity to debate this important issue. The Government's amendment to the motion encapsulates the sentiments and motivation behind the motion by Senators Mullen and Quinn while addressing some of the reservations we had about aspects of the wording.