James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I am delighted the Bill will be successfully passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas. Ireland will shortly join an ever expanding list of nations which have made a forceful and explicit statement of their unwillingness to tolerate this human rights violation.

We know from talking to NGOs and public health services that summer is the time when girls are most at risk of being victims of female genital mutilation with families travelling to practising countries during the school holidays. Therefore, it is my intention that a commencement order be issued before the summer.

I emphasise that Ireland is in the fortunate position of being able to take a proactive approach to the prevention of female genital mutilation. We have the opportunity and duty to protect women and children from practising communities currently living in Ireland from undergoing this procedure. While legislation alone is never sufficient to tackle the problem of this gravity, the enactment of a Bill specifically prohibiting female genital mutilation and including extraterritorial provisions will be a vital step in preventing female genital mutilation taking hold in this country.

The Bill, when enacted, will act as a powerful deterrent and also potentially empower practising communities living in Ireland to resist pressure from their country of origin to preserve this custom. It is hoped it will enlighten their home communities where the practice still takes place.

I extend my gratitude to Senator Ivana Bacik for raising the issue in the Seanad, encouraging the Government of the day to commence preparation of the Bill and giving the current Bill her continued support during its passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas. I acknowledge the support and encouragement given by AkiDwA.