Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 July 2013
274. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the position in regard to female circumcision in this jurisdiction; the extent to which both parents are required to give consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32820/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that the Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Act 2011 was signed by the President in April 2011 and commenced on 20th September 2012. The Act explicitly prohibits Female Genital Mutilation along with related offences, which include removing a girl from the State for the purpose of FGM. A defence of custom or ritual in proceedings is not permitted; neither is a defence that the girl/woman or her parents/guardian consented to FGM. Punishment is up to 14 years imprisonment and/or a fine; for a summary conviction, the penalty is a fine of up to €5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months or both.
