'We are on your side' - Assault victim Natasha O'Brien gets standing ovation in Dáil

Limerick woman Natasha O'Brien has brought her campaign for justice for victims of assault to Dáil Éireann where she received a standing ovation from politicians today.

Natasha has spoken out since Irish Defence Forces soldier Cathal Crotty received a fully suspended three-year sentence last week for an unprovoked assault on her in Limerick in 2022. 

Cathal Crotty, a serving member of the Defence Forces, walked free from court last week when he was given a three-year suspended sentence for attacking Natasha O’Brien.

The 22-year-old, with an address at Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, pleaded guilty to assaulting Ms O’Brien in Limerick in 2022.

At the weekend, thousands of people gathered in protests across the country in solidarity with Ms O’Brien, with a further protest planned outside the Dail on Tuesday. Natasha has spoken out calling for tougher and fair sentences for victims of violent crime.

Natasha O'Brien was in attendance at the Dáil on Tuesday as Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl told her "we are on your side" and invited the TDs present to stand and applaud her. Taoiseach Simon Harris has also indicated that he wants to meet Ms O'Brien at the conclusion of all legal proceedings. 

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Earlier, the issue had been raised in the Dáil by Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald who told the house that Natasha O'Brien was in attendance in the public gallery. She said "people across the country are reeling at the news of a vicious, brutal assault on a young woman on the streets of Limerick."

She went on to say the attack was perpetrated by a current member of the Defence Forces, describing it as "an attack attack that was filmed, posted on social media and bragged about." She said it was a "harrowing assault that's the worst nightmare of every woman in this country."

A standing ovation for Natasha O'Brien in the Dáil as she watched on from the public gallery.

Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl told her "we are on your side." | Read more: https://t.co/HKQfBcwjEt pic.twitter.com/35gLx0E8hB

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) June 25, 2024

Deputy McDonald said Natasha O'Brien came forward and sought justice but "very shockingly" her attacker was "handed down a three-year suspended sentence and is free to walk the streets again. Shockingly, the Defence Forces described him as exemplary, courteous, professional and disciplined as a soldier."

She went on to tell the house: "Natasha herself has asked the question: what message does this send to perpetrators because while Cathal Crotty is now free to go about his life, she feels trapped in the traumatic aftermath of what was an appalling crime."

Concluding, Deputy McDonald said: "Women, girls and indeed everyone in our society are entitled to be safe and protected whether it's walking the streets or in our own homes. I think this should go without saying in 2024, it should be a bare minimum."

She said sentences like this and incidents like that involving Natasha O'Brien are "a symptom of an epidemic in our society, a case that has parallels and echoes in the courtrooms, and in experiences and stories that women and girls carry with us throughout our lives." She called for a zero tolerance approach to these crimes in Ireland. 

In response during Leader's Questions, Taoiseach Simon Harris said: "Deputy McDonald, there's often moments we don't agree in this house. On this, I agree with you 100%. This is an issue that I will work with you, and I will work with everybody across this house, and everyone across Irish society, and with the Minister for Justice, to get to where we need to get to where we clearly aren't in Ireland to a zero tolerance approach to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence."

"You are right," he said to Deputy McDonald, "there is an epidemic in this country when it comes to gender-based violence. I want women across this country to know that I am no less disgusted than anyone else in Ireland in relation to this situation."

The Taoiseach pointed out that he was restricted in what he could say about the case specifically but pointed out that legally the process is not finished, and the DPP is open to appeal the sentence of any individual.

Turning directly to the public gallery where Natasha O'Brien was sitting, the Taoiseach said: "I thank Natasha O'Brien for joining us today. I do want to meet with you and I do want to wait for the legal window to close but I will meet you as will the Minister for Justice because we want to hear from you. We want to work with you."

He added: "You have shown incredible bravery for speaking up and speaking out. The fact that you were horrifically attacked at the time when you yourself, were standing up against homophobia is really a testament to your character and adds to the sense of brutality that you encountered.

"Can I also say this when it comes to our Defence Forces – I'm very proud of many of the men and women who serve with distinction at home and abroad.

"But we are all aware that the Defence Forces can be brought into disrepute by the actions of a small number, and by the inaction of others.

"There is a very simple question that we must know the answer to – how many other people are in the Defence Forces today who have a criminal conviction? I want to know that answer.

"I believe reports are being compiled by the Chief of Staff." He said the Minister for Justice has placed a priority on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and that laws will address sentences for serious crimes in this area.