Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is a Swahili name. The survey found that Irish GPs do not recognise types of female genital mutilation or, worse still, they do not know where to refer their victims for care. A total of 218 questionnaires were sent out randomly to selected GPs.

It is estimated more than 3,170 migrant women living in Ireland are victims of the practice. A total of 218 questionnaires were sent out to GPs and 64 responded, indicating that 98% had heard of female genital mutilation, 79% did not know how to identify it and 65% said they were unable to identify the symptoms. When a person goes for health care the least he or she should expect is that the GP would recognise a problem. It is pointed out that 19% of GPs had met victims, and all GPs who responded said they would not know where to refer victims for support. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Health to prepare an educational leaflet for GPs as a starting point? There should be awareness among GPs and they should know where to refer people. This issue must be brought to the fore, particularly in light of Senator Bacik's Bill on the issue.