A number of members on both sides of the House praised the way the parents and sister of Brian Murphy addressed the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on behalf of the slain teenager, writes Jimmy Walsh.
Mr Brian Hayes, the Fine Gael leader in the Seanad, said many people would have heard the "harrowing evidence" given by Mrs Murphy on Monday.
The Murphy case and the exposure around it highlighted the need for greater debate on the role and the voice of victims in the criminal justice system. "Because the voice of victims is largely forgotten about in our country, and it is to our shame as a legislature and as a court system that that is happening."
A number of things needed to be put right to ensure that the voice of victims was really heard. There should be bigger courtrooms so that victims were given adequate space, and a designated area where they and their families could follow trials.
Mr John Dardis (PD), deputy Government leader in the House, said he had long found it extraordinary that we did not televise the proceedings of courts and tribunals. That view had been supported by a member of the judiciary with regard to tribunals. It was a charade that the public had to listen to the proceedings on radio at night with actors using the words that had been spoken.
Mr Joe O'Toole (Ind) said he welcomed the opportunities that were being afforded in the Irish judicial system to give a voice to victims in the courtroom.
Also to be welcomed was the intimation by the Minister for Justice that consideration was being given to providing rape victims with legal representation during trials.
Mr Jim Walsh (FF) said the report of the Oireachtas Justice Committee on the criminal justice system, due to be issued soon, would provide a basis for the kind of debate being sought.
Dr Maurice Hayes (Ind) said a number of recent cases had provided them with an opportunity to reflect on what they owed to juries, and the service that people gave on behalf of the rest of us.
The Leader of the House, Mrs Mary O'Rourke, said the Murphy family members were enormously brave.