Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

As someone who has criticised "Prime Time" in the House, I congratulate the programme and the wonderful lady, Lorraine Mulvey, who was interviewed by Miriam O'Callaghan on it last night. Ms Mulvey spoke out during a wonderful interview and did a great service to people who have suffered abuse. Her courage and the absence of bitterness or rancour in her words will be admired by many people. She stated that waiving her anonymity greatly helped her in dealing with the horrendous abuse she suffered at the hands of her father. I hope she will give courage to other people in similar circumstances to waive their anonymity and speak out. Ms Mulvey did a tremendous job in highlighting the fact that a great deal of help is available. She was particularly appreciative of the assistance and support given to her by a member of the Garda Síochána. We sometimes forget the wonderful work gardaí do on behalf of the community and help they provide to individuals.

The point Ms Mulvey so eloquently conveyed was that a great deal of free help and support is available. All of us should support organisations which help victims of abuse, including the Rape Crisis Centre and the CARI Foundation. Having watched the interview with Ms Mulvey last night, I could not allow this opportunity to pass without paying tribute to a wonderful woman and the great work she has done in highlighting a major problem in society. I hope many people in similar circumstances will take courage from her and what she has done for society.