Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I extend my deepest sympathies to Ashling Murphy's family, partner, friends and community. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.

I considered seeking speaking time on this subject because after having listened to the National Women’s Council, Women's Aid and to my female colleagues here I felt it was important that I sent out a clear message that the men stand firmly alongside women when it comes to looking to end gender-based violence and having a zero-tolerance approach.

I am a father with two daughters, a husband with a wonderful wife, a brother with two great sisters, I have family and friends and I am a coach to women. They are not just my daughters, my wife or my sisters but they are people in their own right. Each of them deserves to feel and to be safe. When I go out at night for a walk, I do not worry about, or tell someone, where I am going. I do not skip areas because they are unsafe or unlit. I do not have to carry my keys in my pocket because I do not feel safe so why should my daughters and my wife have to do that?

I do not think that apps or segregated areas want to bear the burden of male violence. I want to say that it is time to teach men, and boys in particular, that they need to stand up and call out sexism when they see it. If they do that I know that I and everyone in this Chamber will stand with them. I say that to every teacher, coach and every man and woman in the country.

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