Statement: Senator Bacik welcomes passing of Female Genital Mutilation Bill by Seanad

STATEMENT BY SENATOR IVANA BACIK

Labour Seanad Group Leader
Wednesday 15th June, 2011

SENATOR BACIK WELCOMES PASSING OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION BILL BY SEANAD

Senator Ivana Bacik today welcomed the passing of legislation to prohibit FGM, the Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Bill 2011, by the Seanad. Thanking the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, and his officials, for their work on the Bill, Senator Bacik said:

“I am really pleased that this bill, which started life as a private members' bill which I introduced for Labour in the Seanad in April 2009, is the first piece of legislation to have been passed through the 24th Seanad – and am very pleased that it has received cross-party support. Female genital mutilation is a gross violation of the rights of women and children. It is estimated that over 3,000 women and girls living in Ireland have undergone FGM, so this is a pressing issue. I am delighted that this legislation will specifically prohibit 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.”

Senator Bacik also said:

“I particularly welcome the Government amendment introduced today which will enable victims and survivors of FGM to provide victim impact statements to the Court where a conviction has been obtained under this Act. I think all the many non-governmental organisations who worked for years to secure the passing of this legislation and I look forward to its speedy passage through the Dail.”

ENDS