Natasha O’Brien has said she wants "to sit down” and change legislation around all forms of violence in Ireland. 

Ms O’Brien spoke at a protest in Cork City earlier today calling on the Government to change laws surrounding sentencing for serious crimes. 

She spoke one week after soldier Cathal Crotty walked free from court after he was handed a suspended sentence for beating Ms O'Brien unconscious in a vicious attack on Limerick's O'Connell Street. 

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said yesterday she is willing to work with Ms O'Brien and other victims to make changes to the current legislation.

Ms O’Brien said she shouldn't "have to" campaign for new legislation. 

“But I am happy that I am doing it,” she said. 

“It’s been a crazy week, I’ve been all over the country – I do now want to sit down and put a plan in place with legislation to bring forward to McEntee, our Taoiseach.” 

She said she wishes she could tell Ms McEntee, “Look, you don’t even need to do anything, I have the work done – just change this.”

Crowds on the steps of Washington Street courthouse Cork in a protest in solidarity with Natasha O'Brien, 27/06/2024. Image: Jamie O'Hara/

Ms O'Brien suffered a broken nose, bruising, nightmares and panic attacks after the unprovoked attack in May 2022.

"I don’t want to live in a world where this kind of thing continues," she said.

"I'm just all action now – I've told my story, but this is all about moving forward."

Ms O'Brien previously told Newstalk that the outpouring of anger that has followed Mr Crotty's sentencing is “good but not enough yet”. 

There are currently 68 members of the Defence Forces who have been convicted or are currently before the courts on a range of criminal offences.

These offences include public order, drunk driving, drugs offences, physical assault and sexual offences.

"The Tánaiste has now asked officials to provide a concise report based on the information received," a spokesperson said.

Taoiseach Simon Harris suggested earlier today that regulations may need to change in relation to Defence Force Members facing serious allegations. 

“If there are serious allegations against them, what happens to them in the period of time before that allegation goes to court,” he said. 

“How can they possibly be allowed to continue to serve and is there a need to change regulations in that space?” 

He said he remains “concerned” about the issue and hopes to “get to the bottom of this”. 

Reporting by Jamie O'Hara.