Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Last Wednesday and Thursday there was a debate in the Dáil on the issue of abortion. Diverse views were expressed in that debate. There was subsequent acknowledgment that the debate was conducted with great civility.

Today, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to hear someone who has campaigned internationally against the abuse of forced abortion, particularly in a number of Asian countries where female foeticide, gendercide and human trafficking are major and co-related problems.

The House has a proud record in taking on and advocating women's issues across a range of areas. Last year, Senator Bacik raised the issue of female genital mutilation and legislation forbidding this is now on the Statute Book. In an effort to continue that record, I urge Members to go to the audio-visual room at 4.30 p.m. to hear Ms Reggie Littlejohn, who has devoted a considerable portion of her energies and life's work to opposing the abuses of gendercide and human trafficking. The meeting will be enlightening for us. I urge Members to go. Whether one is on one side or the other of the abortion debate, I have no doubt that we re ad idem in opposing forced abortion, gendercide and female foeticide.

I call upon the group leaders in the House to bring forward an all-party motion condemning that practice and seeking changes. If we secure a place on the United Nations Human Rights Council this should be one of our main platforms during our tenure on that body.

I urge people to attend the audio-visual room at 4.30 p.m.