John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join with all other Members of this House, and indeed those beyond the House, who have expressed their sympathies to Ashling's parents, family, extended family, school community and general community to say how sorry we are that she died in such a way, in such horrific circumstances. I hope this debate and all that is being said here will result in action being taken. It is very sad to see a woman who had contributed so much in her life having that life stolen from her when she could have contributed an awful lot more. She was so loved, as we have seen on our television screens and across the media.

The challenge is for us. I have witnessed debates in this House that have taken place in similar circumstances, responding to outrageous, horrific acts. I have seen little done after the debate has died down and the focus of the public has moved elsewhere. I ask Members of this House to reflect on what they have said here today and to ensure that action follows. Deputy Conway-Walsh is right that we need to ensure we come back to these debates again.

I would like to know about the Grace case and the 47 others. I would like to know about JoJo Dollard. I would like to know what is happening to those people who burned down a lady's house with her in it. I am talking about events in my own constituency. Those are horrific acts and yet they go unpunished. It gives licence to the next individual to do something else, something even worse. As a society, we tend to tolerate it. It seems as if we are numb to any sort of big reaction. I am afraid the eyes of the country and the world are on us and if we do not do something to ensure that the existing laws are implemented, we are failing society. How many times have we discussed children being abused? How often have we discussed the elderly being abused in care homes and care settings? How many times have different women from different parts of the country been raped and had their lives ruined? We have seen the death of Shane O'Farrell, a matter I have raised in this House. That brings grief to a mother, a sister and a family. We cannot overlook that but what has happened is we have overlooked it. The laws are there. The agencies are there. What are they doing with the current laws? I have confidence that the Minister, Deputy McEntee, will bring us to a different level in exercising the law, implementing it and taking action. It is on that we will be judged.

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