Couple sought over illegal circumcision operation

Refugees and asylum-seekers have been warned about the dangers of illegal circumcisions by a Government agency.

The Department of Justice's Reception and Integration Agency  (RIA) is concerned that pregnant women and new mothers may be being targeted by a couple offering to provide the service for money.

The warning follows the circumcision of an eight-month-old baby boy in an accommodation centre near Ballyhaunis in Co Mayo.

It is understood the RIA wrote a letter last month to all accomodation centres telling them to look out for the couple, who are allegedly canvassing pregnant women, offering to perform the operation if they give birth to a baby boy. They are said to charge €175 for the service.

It says these children may be at risk by the illegal operations being held in non-sanitary conditions by untrained people.

The couple are described as a tall white male and a black woman, said to be aged around 50. Gardaí believe they may be driving a red Alfa Romeo.

A month-old baby boy, Callis Osajhae, died in Waterford city following an illegal circumcision with a razor blade in August last year.

Mr Osagie Igbinidion (29), was arrested and charged with creating a substantial risk of death or serious harm to another, contrary to Section 13 of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997. He is currently on bail awaiting trial.

Circumcisions are only carried out in Irish hospitals on the basis of medical need and at the digression of medical staff on cultural and social grounds.

A report commissioned by the South Eastern Health Board (SEHB) recommended in January that circumcision be made freely available at Waterford Regional Hospital on cultural and religious grounds.