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

I am proud to be a member of a party and a movement that have been built on the shoulders of strong and committed women. Yesterday, we said our goodbyes to one of these women. Rita O'Hare personified what it was to be a republican. She was an inspirational leader, a driving force and a role model for our future generations. I am proud the republican movement has been built by, and been a home to, women like Rita O'Hare, Rose Dugdale, Margaret Buckley, Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington, Countess Markievicz, Mairéad Farrell and many more. These are women whose stories have pushed me and many others. Their sacrifice has given republicans a legacy, and their legacy lives on in this Dáil. I am proud we are the first Opposition party to be led by a woman. Deputy McDonald is a proud republican, as her heroes before her were. Future leaders, future role models and future republican girls who sit at home right now and watch Deputy McDonald are inspired by her. I hope we build an Ireland where these girls are safe to reach for their dreams and are given the opportunity to reach their potential.

Violence against women is a scourge on our society and has robbed too many future generations of their female heroes. It has robbed too many women of their chance. We must fight against it and create a society where women and girls are given every opportunity. We have come this far, but we have much further to go.

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