Seanad debates

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

2:30 pm

Photo of Martin ConwayMartin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like all other Members, I too wish to express my sympathies to the family of the late Ashling Murphy. The manner in which she died was brutal and horrific. There are societal challenges and issues that need to be dealt with. This Chamber needs to lead in terms of the conversations that need to happen, but also the actions that need to be taken. That is important. It is all very well talking about it and expressing shock and so on, but we actually need to deal with it and take action on it. I look forward to the debate next week and a timeline for actions. Those of us who have the privilege of being Members of Parliament have an absolute responsibility to actually lead on this and ensure we can make Ireland a safe place. I truly believe we can do so, but it will require all of us, particularly men, to stand up, do the right thing, call out and take action. I look forward to that debate.

A neighbour of mine who lived five minutes down the road from me was killed in a plane crash. He worked with the UN food programme. His name was Mick Ryan and he died three years ago in a plane accident. His widow, Naoise, is looking for justice in the United States. Deputy Sean Sherlock raised this issue in Dáil Éireann today and I am now raising it in the Seanad. Mick Ryan dedicated his life to serving the world and the most needy people in it.He worked for the World Food Programme. He lost his life in an air accident. Answers are still not forthcoming as to why it happened. Justice has not been forthcoming. Mr. Ryan's widow, Naoise, his mother, Christina, a neighbour of mine, and his siblings deserve answers. Could the Leader write to the Taoiseach supporting what I am looking for, namely for him to use his good offices to intervene, where possible, and support the calls made by Deputy Sherlock in Dáil Éireann and me today in Seanad Éireann.

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