Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We gather here today with a sadder and number sense of public representation since the last day that we spoke due to the horrific murder of Ashling Murphy. We cannot and will not ignore what happened. The women and men of Ireland came together in solidarity with the Murphy family and many of us attended vigils outside of Leinster House and all around the country last week. All of those vigils were very moving. The hurt, anger and sorrow was palpable. Thousands of people had gathered but one could hear a pin drop.

As a person, I am horrified; as an aunt and friend to young women, I am frightened; as a woman, I am furious, but as a legislator, I am determined to respond. We are privileged to be elected to this House to serve the people of this country and to act on their behalf. What was so clear from the vigils around the country was the silent determination of the Irish people to no longer allow this to continue. This must be our Veronica Guerin moment and must mark a distinct turning point in our history where we must ensure that the death of Ashling Murphy does not fade into the history books unanswered. We have a duty in this House today to make it clear that we will act.