Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach. We do, indeed, have the executive committee of the Network Ireland here. I was delighted to host its members earlier and to have this opportunity now to recognise the leadership, the expertise and the diverse experiences each one of them brings to the organisation, and not just to the organisation but to public life and to our wider society. From my work, the network's commitment to supporting one another, to championing one another and to opening doors for the next generation is hugely important and absolutely inspirational.

Many national conversations take place in Leinster House. The conversation that took place earlier about how we can support women in business and entrepreneurial leaders is every bit as important as any other conversation going on. I think we need to have a debate in this House. We would like to bring the Minister for enterprise here to talk about how we can support women in business. From the conversation we had, access to credit is really important. It would seem women in business have less access to credit. Equally, the existing local enterprise office, LEO, supports, which are exceptional, do not apply to services. Many women in professional businesses are providing really important services. I also congratulate the network on winning the tender for the women's entrepreneurship programme throughout the island of Ireland. This is through the Shared Ireland funds. It now has a three-year contract to be able to mentor women right across the island. This is fantastic. We look forward to hearing more and to continuing those conversations.

I also want to talk about today being the UN's International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The focus this year is on digital harm, so I believe now is the time we need to act to ensure that catfishing is seen as a stand-alone offence. Highlighting the escalating reality of digital abuse is really important. Equally, Ireland must update its laws to reflect how violence against women is evolving.I brought a Bill through Second Stage here and the Minister said he needed time for himself and his officials to consider it. It is important. Technology is evolving and, sadly, abuse is evolving along with it. We need to take a much harder stance. I would very much appreciate if the House could ask the Minister to come back on the next Stage of the Bill.