Dara Ó Briain urges ex-pats to ‘give back’ by helping homeless
The Wicklow native, who now lives in the UK, used his wit to compare Ireland’s economy to a Mexican drama with ever-changing plots, which entertained those who had flown in from across the world to attend the forum in Dublin Castle.
However, he also addressed the issue of the rising number of homeless people on our streets, pointing out that not all sectors are benefiting from the reported economic upturn.
He urged those in attendance — including Taoiseach Enda Kenny, businessman Denis O’Brien, as well as enterpreneurial dragons Nora Casey and Peter Casey — and all ex-pats watching online to take on a “contract” to give something back to the country.
The comedian said: “I have been here for the last 12 weekends. I stay in the Shelbourne Hotel and I walk for every gig from the Shelbourne Hotel, down Stephen’s Green, down the city until I get to Vicar St, and it’s a pleasure to do that.
“But there are many, many, homeless people as I walk past.
“One guy that I walked past at the Huguenot cemetery, just there on Baggot St, was lying in a sleeping bag reading a book by the light of the bus stop and it just normalised it, and in a way that is even more heartbreaking.
“Not all economic indicators are on the way up.”
Mr Ó Briain said that his final gig in Vicar St would raise funds for the Simon Community and he urged other ex-pats to get involved in “giving back” to such causes.
“I feel a certain obligation. I take a lot from the city both in enjoyment and the work I do, so it’s possibly time to give back to it again.
“That may be the contract that we have with you: We have taken a great deal from the country as Irish people; we have gained membership in a particularly enjoyable club where we feel we all know each other, we know everyone, and we are also happy to give back because of that,” the Mock the Week presenter said.
The latest figures reveal around 80 families a month are now becoming homeless, with many being housed in hotels, hostels, or B&Bs as a result.
Yesterday the Simon Community said homelessness in Cork alone rose by 63% in 2014.
