Boyd Barrett confirms successful cancer treatment, plots Dáil return

People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett has announced he will begin a phased return to the Dáil after completing successful treatment for cancer.

Boyd Barrett said, “I am delighted that my treatment has been successful and that my doctors have said I can begin to return to work.”

The Dún Laoghaire TD said, “I want to offer my deepest thanks to the health care workers who cared for me during my treatment and recovery.”

“They have given me my life back and I will always be grateful for that. The experience has redoubled my commitment to our public health system and the wonderful workers who keep it going in often difficult circumstances and with insufficient resources.”

The People Before Profit TD added “I also want to thank the thousands of people who wished me well as I began my treatment, and also the other patients I met who were on the same journey. Their shared experiences and their support were invaluable to me.”

Former Southside TD Bríd Smith handled administrative duties for Boyd Barrett as he underwent treatment.

Boyd Barrett noted, “much has happened during the almost seven months that I underwent treatment. Israel’s genocide continued while governments the world over continued to fail the people of Gaza. Even now, Israel continues its slaughter of Palestinians with impunity.”

“I was delighted to see Catherine Connolly’s presidential election campaign, with the defence of neutrality and the triple lock at its centre, sweep to a historic victory. This has opened up a whole new opportunity for a united left. I look forward to being part of the renewed momentum and mobilisation to achieve Ireland’s first left government that can tackle the housing and other crises we face and build the equal and just society we need.”

He said, “I plan to return to my Dún Laoghaire constituency and Dáil work on a phased basis, to once again participate in the campaigns and the crucial debates and votes that are coming up on housing, disability, the triple lock and all the other important issues we face.”

“I am still recuperating from the treatment and some remaining side effects, so I hope that people will bear with me until I am operating at full capacity,” he added.