Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Reports that a naval officer remains in the Defence Forces almost a year after pleading guilty to a serious assault on a woman shows a bit of a pattern. The Tánaiste will forgive the Women of Honour for nodding their heads and saying, "I told you so". The time for learning lessons is over. It is the time to show what can be done. I wish to take this opportunity to salute Natasha O'Brien for courage and bravery. She was very impressive speaking after her court case last week. I really took on board what she said about her speaking for women in the future.

The fact we have 68 members of the Defence Forces with current convictions or are being tried for offences ranging from public order breaches to physical and sexual assault is a real worry. I am aware of the presumption of innocence and all of that.

Deputy Réada Cronin: Reports that a naval officer remains in the Defence Forces almost a year after pleading guilty to a serious assault on a woman shows a bit of a pattern. The Tánaiste will forgive the Women of Honour for nodding their heads and saying, "I told you so". The time for learning lessons is over. It is the time to show what can be done. I wish to take this opportunity to salute Natasha O'Brien for courage and bravery. She was very impressive speaking after her court case last week. I really took on board what she said she was speaking for women in the future. The fact we have 68 members of the Defence Forces with current convictions or are being tried for offences ranging from public order breaches to physical and sexual assault is a real worry. I am aware of the presumption of innocence and all of that in this respect

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