Minister did not give assurance on FGM

I REFER to an article in your edition of March 31 headed “Pamela’s battle”.

While the matter is still before the courts I am constrained in how I can respond, however, I must take issue with the statement in the report that I “gave a vote of confidence to the Nigerian Government’s assurance that FGM is not widespread”.

I did not give that assurance.

What I said was that the claims about this practice had been vigourously disputed by the Attorney General and minister for justice, at a press conference in Abuja, attended by 27 journalists, both national and international.

The Attorney General and minister went on to say that he would be delighted to appear as a witness in any court case in Ireland or Europe to testify that there was no danger of female genital mutilation where any woman returning to Nigeria was concerned.

Conor Lenihan, TD

Minister for Integration

43/49 Mespil Road

Dublin 4