The country's first specialist service for females who have suffered genital mutilation has opened in Dublin.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) refers to any procedure that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injuries to the genitals, for non-medical reasons.

It is considered a serious human rights violation and consequences can include infections, haemorrhaging, sexual dysfunction, infertility and psychological trauma.

An estimated 3,780 teenagers and adults, aged between 15 and 44, who are currently residing in Ireland, have suffered FGM and now for the first time, they can access specialised care and support.

The service, which will offer medical care and counseling, will be lead by the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) in its clinic in Dublin city, with the support of AkiDwA (the Migrant Women's Network) and the HSE National Social Inclusion Office.

"The IFPA has seen how women and girls who have undergone FGM often face additional barriers to getting the specific health care they need. This service directly responds to these challenges and is to be greatly welcomed.

"Women and girls can now access medical and psychological care of international standards. We will also provide clients with wider sexual and reproductive health services, including contraception advice, cancer screening and menopause check-ups," commented Dr Caitriona Henchion, IFPA medical director.

FGM is illegal in Ireland. It is a criminal offence for any person resident in Ireland to perform the procedure here or to take a female to another country so that they can undergo FGM there.

According to AkiDwA director, Salome Mbugua, this new service means that those affected will get the care they need, ‘which will greatly improve their overall quality of life'.

"This is a landmark step in addressing the very real issue of FGM in our country," she added.

The service is based at the IFPA Cathal Brugha Street Clinic in Dublin. It can be accessed via a four-hour drop-in clinic which will be held weekly. Women can also be referred by their GP or other healthcare providers.

The Cathal Brugha Street clinic can be contacted on (01) 872 7088.