Shane Cassells (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Order of Business as outlined by the Leader. We have just had a very poignant moment in Dáil Éireann, where the Ceann Comhairle called for all Members who were present to stand and applaud the presence of Natasha O'Brien in the Gallery. It was a very powerful and striking moment, and the Ceann Comhairle, addressing Natasha, said: “We are on your side.”

We know Natasha's name because of her bravery and the stance and public pronouncements that she has had to make over recent days but how many other women are there whose names we do not know? Many are not in the scenario of that unprovoked attack that Natasha was subjected to but in the hidden shadows of daily attacks, in particular those who suffer at the hands of their spouses. The Leader and I met members of one of the many centres that operate around the country when she came with me to Meath Women's Refuge some weeks ago. They discussed the issues they are faced with, stating that recognising violence against women has its root cause in gender inequality and seeking the kind of real societal change that we need to change this culture that, unfortunately, exists, maybe within a minority, but it still exists.

As I said, in recognising that violence against women has its root cause in gender inequality, we need to make sure that, through the education system, we educate our young men because having those conversations is greatly needed. We need to work with bodies like Coimisiún na Meán to make sure that the type of narrative that is often portrayed on social media and in the media in general is changed. We have a body of work to do. It is not just an issue in regard to the Judiciary and the failures in that case last week in handing down a suspended sentence. There is a broader debate for us, as a society, on what we need to do if, in the words of the Ceann Comhairle, we are really on the side of Natasha O'Brien and others.

I congratulate Deputy Michael McGrath on his nomination as Commissioner. He is a man of great integrity and a great politician who I have known for over 20 years. I am delighted for him. I am also delighted for Deputy Jack Chambers on his appointment as Minister for Finance. He is an exceptionally gifted young politician who is going to do a fine job.

On a very sad note, I acknowledge the passing of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh. I do not care what sport you follow in life, and I am a passionate GAA man, but Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh transcended all sports. His voice was the voice of a nation. He illuminated our homes. As Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns, said at lunchtime on the news, his voice brought games to life. Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh was part of the fabric of this country. We are all the poorer for having lost him today but all the richer for the fact that he existed in the first place. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.