Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I extend my sympathies to the family of Ashling Murphy. Like everybody else in the House this week and last, I am horrified by what happened. It is now important we allow the family privacy to grieve.

There is no place in our society for violence, in particular violence against women. The safety and security of women should be at the core of our society's values. I spoke to some of the women in my life about this issue at length in recent weeks. I spoke to my wife, who told me there are certain parts of Cork city where she does not feel safe and that she carries keys in her fist. I did not know that until this incident triggered these types of discussions. My sister is a regular walker, and I knew she always walked with her friends. I thought that was for social reasons rather than the need to feel safe or due to a fear of being attacked or apprehended on the road or whatever the case may be. When I was younger, I remember we always left a key on the latch or hidden inside a pot in the front garden. My mother always made a point of that and the door in the family home was always open. Sadly, my mother said those days are long gone. Unfortunately, this horrific incident has triggered discussions throughout the country.

The consensus from those discussions was that we need an end to violence against women and the approach must be multifaceted. For example, we need to prioritise a public education campaign to raise awareness of gender-based issues and have a stronger justice approach when women come forward to report attacks. There simply must be tougher sentences.

Sexual harassment needs to be taken far more seriously, especially when people come forward to report it. Many women have expressed concerns about coming forward, about the system for reporting, and the action, if any, that will be taken. Many felt it was part and parcel of everyday life. This narrative is very damaging and must change. I would like to note the work Senators Lisa Chambers and Fiona O'Loughlin have done on their Bill in the Seanad dealing with the issue of stalking. They have worked with victims such as Eve McDowell and Una Ring.

Many women feel they must regulate their behaviour rather than society addressing the problem. We must ensure we have a criminal justice system that works for victims at every stage of their journey. We need to take practical steps in our local authorities to ensure public spaces are well lit, monitored and conducive to being an exercise amenity.

The Department of Justice is leading the development across Government of the third national strategy to combat domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. I commend the Minister on her action to date regarding this. She is putting a lot of work into it. In her reply to the debate she might confirm whether it is still the intention that the finalised strategy will be brought to the Government in March.

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