Speaking at the Global Economics Forum, the comedian urged ex-pats to help with the growing homelessness crisis in Ireland.
O Briain took to the stage with the message that while Ireland has seen a recovery from the economic crisis, not all sectors are feeling the benefits. Recent statistics have shown that the number of homeless people in Cork alone rose by 63% in 2014, and the comedian highlighted that increase in his speech.
The Irishman, who is now based in the UK, stated that he has been in Dublin for the past few months, and walking from his hotel to his series of gigs at Vicar street, and has seen that the crisis has gotten noticeably worse.
"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".
Who'd have thought stand up at 9.30am would work!!! @daraobriain pic.twitter.com/lbzO94hLAo
— Global Irish (@GlobalIrish) November 20, 2015
The Irish Examiner report that the profits from his final show in Vicar Street would be donated to the Simon Community.
Thanks for speaking out about the #homelessness crisis @daraobriain https://t.co/JRO3AoMwwQ
— Simon Communities (@SimonCommunity) November 21, 2015
O Briain urged those in attendance, including Taoiseach Enda Kenny, as well as ex-pats to help in "giving back" and entering a form of "contract" to do so: "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".
