Vol. 533 No. 4
140 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the situation where it is alleged that a British-based practitioner, who is not a doctor, is charging £120 per patient to carry out circumcisions in the kitchens of immigrants' homes; and if he has been in contact with the Medical Council and the Garda Síochána on the matter. [9318/01]
I am aware of the press report on this issue. I am advised that male circumcision is an accepted surgical procedure for religious or cultural reasons and is carried out in hospital paediatric departments. I am also informed that in some communities it is the practice that trained members carry out this procedure. My Department has also written to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law reform asking them to arrange through the Directorate of Asylum Seeking Support Services that all asylum seekers are made aware that male circumcision is available in our hospitals.
