Richard Boyd Barrett

I do not often thank the Government but I will do so for facilitating this important debate on the horror that is being inflicted on the people of Sudan. The genocidal horror they are enduring at the moment has led to at least 150,000 people being killed, more than 21 million people, which is 45% of the population, facing hunger and famine, 12 million people being forcibly displaced, and the horri…

I thank Independent Ireland for bringing this motion forward, which we are happy to support. I got an email back in 2024, and I have been out sick for a few months so I am not sure to where this has developed, but it gives an indication of the despair and the consequences for those who make protected disclosures. It is a case I raised and about which I submitted parliamentary questions. This is an…

The Cathaoirleach Gníomhach should stop the clock if he is going to interrupt me. Stop the clock.

Stop the clock.

Lastly, on foot of comments from Deputy O'Reilly about workers, it is connected to protected disclosures but it is more generally about workers facing problems in particular industries and the punishments they suffer. I have raised again and again the fact that film workers working in the film industry in this country have been blacklisted out of the industry - people who have worked for 20, 30 an…

6. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on Northern Ireland will next meet. [63464/25]

Last week, I raised with the Taoiseach - I want to do so again because it is important - the fact that, as part of a wider attack by the British Government on those standing in solidarity with the people of Palestine and against Israel's genocide in Gaza, people in the North are being arrested and charged, including one of our councillors, Councillor Shaun Harkin in Derry, for indicating supportin…

You should speak out against Starmer's policy.

It is a disgraceful policy.

I think you will find the Israelis are the transgressors.

20. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the programme plan for his Department’s new disability unit for 2025-2027. [63465/25]

David and Nicole have a five-year-old son with autism, and an older son. They live in a maisonette, which is 29 sq. m. It is absolutely tiny and rank with damp. Because of his autism, their son has serious sensory processing issues. He is a flight risk. I know these flats well. They have very dangerous concrete steps, which are a serious risk to him. Occupational therapists, medical professionals …

I would like there to be an intervention on that.

The Taoiseach cannot really answer questions that have not been asked.

Minister-----

Minister-----

I am glad the Minister for Transport is here. He was not here when I raised, on behalf of the taxi drivers of this country, the issue of Uber and its attempt to undermine the regulated taxi industry and the livelihoods of nearly 20,000 taxi drivers. On Saturday, along with thousands of taxi drivers, I participated in a protest at Merrion Square. They are asking that the Government enforce its own …

-----and it would prevent surge pricing, which is what Uber-----

-----and companies will bring in if they get the chance.

They will be protesting on Thursday as well.

Did you tell them you will meet the NTA on Thursday?

A headline from RTÉ earlier this year stated, "Half-year profits and revenues at Glenveagh Properties soar". The company's revenues were up in the first six months of this year by 125% from the previous year, more than doubling from €152 million to €341 million. Gross profit in half a year was €66.8 million. Profits at Cairn Homes were €63 million in the first half of 2025. Yet, the Tánaiste wants…

I thank Deputy Carthy and Sinn Féin for bringing forward this Bill. On behalf of People Before Profit, we are very happy to support it. It is simply obvious that the victims of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence should not have to live in fear of their assailants. The Minister should take very seriously the intent of this Bill and the concerns of victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based…

8. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding HAP tenancies where one income earner moves out, to ensure that the remaining tenant is not financially adversely affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65844/25]

In traditional council housing or social housing if the tenant's income changes or the number of people in the house changes because kids leave or anybody leaves, the tenant does not get thrown out of the house. They do not get threatened with possible homelessness. They do not build up arrears. The rent is adjusted to the tenant's means and to the number of people in the house. That does not happ…