Statement: Senator Bacik to Introduce Government Legislation Prohibiting Female Genital Mutilation

STATEMENT BY SENATOR IVANA BACIK

Labour Seanad Group Leader
Thursday 2nd June 2011

SENATOR BACIK TO INTRODUCE GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION PROHIBITING FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

In the Seanad today, Senator Ivana Bacik will be introducing Government legislation to prohibit FGM, the Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Bill 2011. Introducing the Bill, Senator Bacik will say:

“Legislation banning FGM is long overdue and was passed in Britain as long ago as 1985. Back in April last year, I introduced a private members' bill on this issue for the Labour Party, and was delighted when it received cross-party support. The Minister for Health undertook to introduce government legislation on the same topic, and I am really pleased that this Government has now adopted the bill so at last that we will have specific legislation prohibiting FGM.”

Senator Bacik will also say:

“International research shows the enormous dangers to the health of women and girls represented by the barbaric practice of female genital mutilation. The NGO Akidwa estimates that over 3,000 women living in Ireland have undergone FGM so this is a pressing issue, particularly for migrant women and girls and their families. I am delighted that we will today be introducing legislation specifically prohibiting the practice and ensuring that anyone resident in Ireland who takes a girl abroad to have FGM performed there will now be subject to prosecution in Ireland.”

ENDS