First, I wish to pay homage to Bláthnaid Raleigh, who is such a brave and courageous woman. I was watching her on media over the weekend. Having been subjected to an absolutely horrific attack, she is now giving many victims a voice. She is using her voice for change and gave up her anonymity to ensure that the perpetrator of the violent crime against her could be named. She certainly deserves all our gratitude. What she is doing will encourage other victims to come forward. In saying that, we obviously had the events involving Natasha O'Brien last week. Natasha is another voice for change. I understand that Limerick will be giving her a civic recognition, and rightly so. These are two really strong women.

I want to make a point regarding the perpetrator of the crime against Natasha O'Brien. The crime itself was shocking. There were so many elements to it.

I remind Senators that there is an appeal in this case, so we have to be very careful in the context of anything we say.

The point I would like to make regards the Defence Forces. We now know that there have been 69 perpetrators of crime. That is 0.8% of serving members. The other 99.2% have, as far as we know, unblemished reputations. We had the Dublin Pride parade last weekend, I was proud to be at it, but I thought it was very wrong that the Dublin Pride organisers withdrew their invitation to the Defence Forces on foot of what has happened. I know many members of the Defence Forces who are fine and upstanding people. It is wrong that they are all being tarnished because of what happened in this case.

I have previously raised the issue of illegal encampments. We have an ongoing situation in the Curragh, particularly at this time of year. About 40 visitors arrived with their homes on Sunday evening. The adjacent guest house has had to close as a result. There are issues of animal welfare. I spoke to somebody this morning who rescued a dog and brought it to a vet. This goes on and on. We need a debate in this House on illegal encampments in general. In my county, it mainly happens on the Curragh but I am conscious it happens in other areas of the county and around the country. It is beyond time for a real conversation in the House about illegal encampments and how we deal with them.

I join the Senator in commending the bravery of those who came forward on that most horrific issue that has plagued us. It is not just today; we have unfortunately been debating it for many years and decades. Change is coming but very slowly. More change must come for the sake of our society.

I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, from Mississippi, Jay Hopson, Michelle, Virginia and Hannah. Jay has a less famous brother who is a Senator from Vicksburg, Mississippi. Jay was the coach at Marshall University in West Virginia, along with many other distinguished universities. I thank them for coming to Seanad Éireann.

Anois, glaoim ar an Seanadóir Ahearn.