Female genital mutilation, FGM, is a barbaric practice perpetrated on young girls. While the practice is concentrated in 30 countries in Africa and the Middle East, it is a universal problem which continues to persist among immigrant populations living here in Europe.

As someone who was deeply involved in progressing the law to criminalise Female Genital Mutilation in Ireland and of those living in Ireland, it is really great to see the first conviction by the Irish Courts yesterday: https://www.rte.ie/amp/1095777/#click=https://t.co/i5qsdIPmRa

Well done to all those involved in securing this historic conviction.

It sends out a clear message that this barbaric practice will not be tolerated here or elsewhere. I hope other counties will follow 

Recently I raised this issue with the Tánaiste on the floor of Dáil Éireann seeking an update from the Tánaiste on the progress in outlawing and prohibiting this practice across EU – not just where it takes place in EU itself but prosecute those who facilitate it happening outside the EU also.