Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I refer to the discussions about the potential sale of Aer Lingus. Of course, matters are at a very early stage and there is no offer, but I have already put on the record my opposition to the sale of the Government's 25% stake in Aer Lingus. Indeed, I opposed the sale of the rest of what was the Government's much larger stake in 2006.

I welcome the good news today of the Accenture jobs announcement. Those jobs are a welcome mix of positions for experienced individuals and positions for people straight out of college. It was welcome to see such a big announcement. Many Members last week asked the Leader to arrange a debate on jobs and job creation in light of other good news announcements about jobs, and I understand he will facilitate that.

I also welcome that there are 100 new recruits to the Garda. There are some good photographs of them in the newspapers today. They have completed their first day of training in Templemore. It is very welcome to see the Garda open to recruitment again. It is another piece of good news.

There is a debate on overseas development scheduled for tomorrow, but I hope there will be time during that debate or at a future date to debate issues around human rights compliance and overseas development. I note, in particular, the issues regarding human rights protections in Egypt. I am sure all of my colleagues will join me in welcoming the release from prison in Egypt of the al-Jazeera journalist Peter Greste, but will note with concern that two of his journalist colleagues are still in detention in Egypt. Members will join with me in calling for their release.

There is another very pressing human rights issue for women in Egypt and in a number of other countries. We have debated it previously in the House and, indeed, have led the way on criminalising female genital mutilation, FGM. Last week in Egypt there was the first ever conviction for performing an act of FGM. It was on foot of legislation passed in Egypt seven years ago. It was the first conviction despite the fact that an estimated 91% of women and girls in Egypt have been subjected to FGM. I am glad Ireland has legislation in that regard, but we should note with concern the fact that FGM remains a prevalent abuse of women's rights worldwide.