Watch: Dáil breaks protocol to hold a moment's applause for Natasha O'Brien

Social Democrat leader Holly Cairns asked: 'How many more women's names will we have to learn before meaningful action is taken?'

Natasha O'Brien was seated in the public gallery and smiled as the Dáil rose to their feet in recognition of her bravery. File picture: Brendan Gleeson

A moment's applause was held in the Dáil on Tuesday afternoon for Natasha O'Brien in what was a break from protocol.

Ms O'Brien's case dominated leader's questions and the Limerick woman was seated in the public gallery and smiled as the Dáil rose to their feet in recognition of her bravery.

"I am going to break with tradition," said Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl. "Thank you for coming here today, Natasha.

"Thank you for giving us the opportunity to respond to the circumstances that you find yourself in. Can I ask everybody in here to stand and applaud?"

As the applause died down, Mr Ó Fearghaíl told Natasha: "We are on your side."

Mary Lou McDonald said that while the suspended sentence handed down to Ms O'Brien's attacker, Cathal Crotty, was shocking, women around the country know that it is not a standalone incident or an abberation in the Irish justice system.

The Sinn Féin leader, who had earlier met with Ms O'Brien, said the Limerick woman told her that the concern for the victim simply is not there.

Social Democrat leader Holly Cairns said that every time a woman is brutally assaulted or murdered, the country says "never again" and they repeat this sentiment every time an abuser walks free from court with a slap on the wrist.

"But it always happens again," she said.

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Ms O'Brien is now known across the country but never wanted to be, said Ms Cairns. She joins women like Bruna Fonseca, Ashling Murphy, Elaine O'Hara and Nadine Lott.

"How many more women's names will we have to learn before meaningful action is taken?" she asked the Taoiseach.

Simon Harris said that he and Minister for Justice Helen McEntee will meet Ms O'Brien once legal proceedings have concluded, noting that the possibility of appealing the sentence remains open to the DPP.

Mr Harris said he is seeking figures on how many active members of the Defence Forces may have a conviction against them. "If you have a criminal conviction, you have no right to be in the Defence Forces," he said.

Ireland is nowhere near where we need to be when it comes to zero tolerance toward gender-based violence, said Mr Harris. Reiterating that it is an epidemic, he said that changing this should be "our national obsession".