Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
811. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the number of prosecutions for offenses related to female genital mutilation in Ireland for each of the years 2023 to 2025 and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34461/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra812. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of instances of female genital mutilation that have occurred in Ireland in each of the years 2023 to 2025 and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34462/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra813. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the approximate total number of women in Ireland that have been the victim of female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34463/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 811, 812 and 813 together.
This Government is committed to combatting all forms of domestic sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) and to supporting those who are victims of these terrible crimes. The Third National Strategy on DSGBV specifically recognises female genital mutilation (FGM) as a form of DSGBV and contains actions aimed at enhancing our response to it.
Our response to FGM is primarily health-led. The Health Service Executive's National Social Inclusion Office plays an important role in responding to the health needs of service users from marginalised communities, including those from diverse ethnic, cultural and religious communities. Ireland has national strategies in place that outline actions to ensure the healthcare provided is effective, easily accessed and culturally competent.
The Third National Strategy on DSGBV includes a commitment to putting in place specialist health support services for victims and survivors of FGM.
The Deputy may wish to contact the HSE in relation to specific operational matters concerning victims and survivors of FGM, including any available information regarding service provision or related victim data.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decides whether or not someone should be prosecuted, and what crime they should be prosecuted for. The DPP is fully independent in the execution of her functions, under the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974.
As Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, I have no role in the operations, functions, oversight or governance of the Office of the DPP. Consequently, I am unable to provide any information or statistics on the number of prosecutions initiated.
