Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to see the McVittys in the Chamber. I know them from a different job in which I was involved. We became good friends over the years. It is lovely to see them and I will have a word with them in a moment.

Like our Leader, Senator Gallagher, I am delighted to be here to support Senator Martin's Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill 2023. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, to the House. As Senator Gallagher has said, we will fully support this amendment. Why would we not? As a party, we are working constantly to try to make improvements in this sphere. Like all other Members who have spoken, I am always very affected by the many unlawful and brutal killings of women in this country. We wake up in the morning to hear that somebody has been brutally murdered. I know that men are attacked, but we have to acknowledge that this type of shocking domestic violence mainly affects women. We have to act together, as a group of politicians, to stamp this out, once and for all. These brutal deaths bring absolute horror to families and communities. Families never recover from such situations. One talks to families who have been hit by this and their lives are never the same again. Senator Hoey gave us extraordinary figures about the number of pregnant women who are affected. It is absolutely horrific to see that happening.

We need to reintroduce the word, "respect", throughout Irish society. I have spoken in recent weeks about the absolute disrespect for front-line workers; An Garda Síochána, nurses and teachers. It is rampant all over our society. We need to re-engage with the word, "respect". Some people go out on the streets and think they can throw a punch at anybody, for whatever reason. It an absolutely shocking indictment of society. We all need to re-engage with the word, "respect", and respect those we need to respect, whether it is gardaí or teachers and we should always show respect to women. I was brought up that way. I was brought up to open a door for a woman, whether it is right or wrong. Some people say one should not do it. Why not? Let us re-engage with the word, "respect". Let us support legislation such as this which, I hope, will get widespread support and coverage. It is badly needed and we need to deal with the matter, as a matter of urgency.