Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 June 2018
311. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health the progress made on the interdepartmental work to develop a national strategy on female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26282/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFemale genital mutilation (FGM) is universally recognised as a form of gender-based violence and a fundamental violation of the human rights of women and girls. The Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Act 2012 provides for the creation of an offence of FGM and other offences relating to FGM. The legislation takes a human rights perspective and stipulates that the right to practice one's cultural traditions and beliefs cannot be used to justify FGM.
The HSE is working to raise awareness of the health implications of FGM among at risk communities through staff information and support. An FGM resource pack for health professionals and relevant staff in maternity and associated settings has been disseminated. The HSE provides funding to AkiDwA, a national network of migrant women, to facilitate working with target communities around raising awareness of the illegality of FGM and sharing information about the risks of this practice. In addition, the HSE funds a specialist clinic operated by the Irish Family Planning Association for girls and women who have undergone FGM.
I recently met with representatives of NGOs to discuss how their work on FGM can be supported by Government departments and agencies. The Department of Health and the HSE will continue to work with relevant departments and with AkiDwA to improve health outcomes for groups vulnerable to this form of gender-based violence. In this regard, the HSE intends to include FGM in its forthcoming intercultural health strategy.
I understand that the monitoring committee for the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence has recently agreed that the strategy will include an action relating to FGM. This strategy comes under the remit of the Department of Justice and Equality.
