Homeless protest

by Jon Glackin Thu Dec 01, 2005 23:32

There are alleged rumours that 'Street Seen' will not elicit sponsorship for their latest campaign of selling homeless people as targets for the d4 brigade to shoot...

some think that 'Street Seen' are organised

some think that those with no warm bed tonight ( awhhh shucks must be xxxxmas)

did you?

anyone about on Tuesday?
any ideas... get in touch



On tuesday the 6th December homeless activists will again attempt to hand in a petition to Bertie Ahern. At the same time the matter will be raised in the Dáil. Around 20,000 signatures have been gathered over the last couple of months calling on the government to hand over the proceed's of the sale of the old UCD veterinary site in Ballsbridge to Dublin City Council for the purposes of eradicating homelessness. Yesterday, 30th November, the property was sold for a record breaking €171 million. This amount has broken previous amounts paid per acre.

Street Seen will gather outside the Dáil from 4 o'clock on 6th December. Please come and join the protest. Bring music, banners, placards, and most importantly yourselves.

by Mark Grehan - Street Seen Fri Dec 02, 2005 10:38 streetseen at hotmail dot co dot uk 087 7974622

Jon's gibberish aside, if anyone has any good ideas or strategy for tuesday's protest please get in touch either by phoning me or Jon or by emailing us at the above email. We are always interested in trying something different from the usual style of protests, our aim is always to make it fun, make our point, and make it heard.

by Davy Carlin - Street Seen Fri Dec 02, 2005 11:01

Shall hope to be down for that one, and keep me a few of those hoodies!. D

by Jon Glackin Fri Dec 02, 2005 12:30

Emmet Stagg TD has commited to raising some simple issues in the Dail on Tuesday afternoon..

Firstly Why does Berty Ahern not take 5 minutes and recieve our petitions personally outside the Dail on Tuesday and if not why not?

Secondly that the Street Seen proposal that the monies recieved from the sale of the UCD building, 171 million euro, is allocated immediately to Dublin City Council to address the homeless crisis is ratified and if not why not ?

Can it be true that the money is already earmarked to subsidise the decentralisation of Government. That the 171 million is going to be used to house well paid civil-servants in plush offices in Cork and Galway. Surely that couldnt be right...
could it?

by Mark Grehan - Street Seen Fri Dec 02, 2005 12:37 streetseen at hotmail dot co dot uk 087 7974622

Tom Parlon TD and minister of State for the OPW has earmarked the €171 million, raised by the sale of the UCD site in Ballsbridge, for decentralisation of civil servants and their departments. Decentralisation is an unpopular and much criticised programme. It would also be true to say that the government is also an unpopular and much criticised government.

The Sophia Housing Trust in September organised a survey with LMR. This survey found that 89% of the public felt that the government weren't doing enough on this issue. The volume of signatures gathered by Street Seen activists also shows the level of public support on this issue.;

by observer2 Fri Dec 02, 2005 12:51

Where are the voices of the organisations who claim to be dealing with homelessness? Simon community, De Paul Trust,Salvation Army? Are they afraid to speak on this issue? are they afraid of censure from the Homeless agency?are they afraid that their budgets will be cut if they speak out?

This year, as with every year since the inception of the homeless agency, organisations dealing with homelessness only had their annual(jan to dec) budgets ratified and confirmed in August! This leads to a situation wherby they are operating hostels not knowing if their costs will be met! and are completely at the mercy of the homeless agency, and by definition the Minister.

Workers in this area may also be afraid to speak out or be seen to be involved in these protests since the Minister responsibile has already attempted to silence such activism within the De Paul Trust.

by Im Spartacus Fri Dec 02, 2005 12:58

Would be interesting to hear their response here if they had any opinion at all.

by Davy Carlin Fri Dec 02, 2005 13:07

And the say a society can be judged on how it treats its most vulnerable citizens.

Watch what happens with the monies and judge.

by Jon Glackin Fri Dec 02, 2005 15:43

Log sleeveTshirts are now available in Red Ink, Temple Bar@ e15
Hoodies@ e30

or from street seen activists...

by Con Carroll Fri Dec 02, 2005 16:12

Davy
clearly there are people who still as ignorant and arrogant about how we treat people whom are alienated from the political powers to be.
there is a woman who was abused as a child protesting out side the Dail for the las 7 weeks.
the minister for education comments that she didn't want tosee this woman suffering for another night. ouside the gates of Dail Eireann
another man Alan, living on the streets of Dublin who was on Grafton street died. Alan was also a survivor of child abuse
amazing that Mr.Larry Goodman is still around who was invol;ved in the beef scandal during the 80s, 190s. is now involved up to his neck in a private hospital initiative in Galway
don't forget the protest Friday 9/12/ parnell sq 1.30

by Liberal Fri Dec 02, 2005 16:35

Why do you insist on bringing in every topic under the Sun? This is a protest in support of the Homeless, your other obsessions are irrelevant to the occasion.

by Con Carroll - Class war Fri Dec 02, 2005 16:54

Liberal
if you use your poliitical intelligence you might get some where?
have you ever heard of solidarity encouaging other people who are alienated, to join forces with other people demanding justice
I have seen this attitude so many times over the years of splitting people down the middle. one against another.
or are you some liberal who doesn't believe in empowering people to confront the state
because there are many people fed up with using people who are homeless for their own agenda
people who use puesdo names who wont reveal their identity.
I ask should they be taken serious?

by Liberal Fri Dec 02, 2005 17:03

Your abusive attitude in Cyberspace and in the real world turns people off. Far from helping to build this campaign you are actually undermining it.

by Con Carroll Fri Dec 02, 2005 17:51

observors
question is interesting about groups who claim to be working with people who are homeless
people who are openly critical of policys and states attitude will never be employed
this should be called the poverty industry those who are working in this area who keep their mouths shut. there are penty of these people around who are in well payed employment
the area of poverty is a political issue class one, not a charity one
confronting these right wing politicians I would fully support.
today in so called economic boom, it is a disgrace that we have people who are experiencing homeless living on our streets
on that right wing questions and answers programme, people should be encouraged to go on it to confront the right of the Dail.

by Liberal Fri Dec 02, 2005 18:04

Unfortunately your above comment consists of gibberish. It is difficult to work out exactly what you mean. You do seem to be intent on narrowing support for this protest by labelling anyone who disagrees with you as Right Wing. Surely this protest should consist of a broad alliance of those Left, Right and Centre who are committed to campaigning against Homelessness.

by observer 3 Fri Dec 02, 2005 18:27

I think organisations mentioned are probably busy enough trying to deal practically with homelessness on a daily basis without getting involved in every protest going..
Sometimes protests like this are great fun (judging by comments) and make the protestors feel good but they have no practical benefit for homeless people..
People who work in homelessness area are used to everyone jumping on bandwagon around xmas and criticising hostels etc without knowing how hard it can be to work in these places when things aren't as clearcut as they seem from a soapbox ...
Eg many residents of the hostel I am working in at moment are concerned that street seen's reported comments (independent) re drug use in hostels could make things worse for them. Many drug users are homeless and used to being discriminated against.. it is only since homeless agency was established that hostels started to accomodate drug users and this can be hard to do safely.. things are rarely black and white in this area.. Street Seen also criticised lack of safety in hostels AND security cameras in hostels.. the latter are an attempt to deal with the former.. as a female working occasional nightshifts I am glad of them and know many residents are too, although some of my colleagues male and female disagree with them
My friend who is into this site showed me this link and I hope you don't mind me contributing.. but I won't be getting involved in debate, so want to finish saying that this isn't a criticism of Street Seen or anyone on the protest

by listen Fri Dec 02, 2005 19:40

Listen to Tommy considered words on drugs in hostels he's experienced firsthand as a homeless person and tell us why he shouldn't make his thougths public?

http://www.rte.ie/rams/radio/latest/Mon/rte-liveline.smil

SS has been innovative, needs less lobbying more DIY, how about a pernament tent city at Kildare Place.

by Im Spartacus Sat Dec 03, 2005 19:36

The Green Party has stated that the actions today by the homeless action group Street Seen are a timely reminder that the Government must do more to tackle homelessness. The Party has also called on Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to accept in person the petition that the protesters attempted to present to him at Leinster House earlier today.

Green Party Housing spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD said that, “Recent housing figures show that more holiday homes were built last year than social or affordable housing. The Government appears to be more concerned with keeping the construction industry happy than tackling homelessness.

“Only a trickle of housing has been secured under the Part Five provisions of the Planning Act 2000, and housing lists nationwide have doubled over the last ten years. In my own county of Dún Laoghaire housing lists have trebled in ten years.

“Instead of trumpeting housing completion figures Environment Minister Dick Roche should be allocating more resources to Local Authorities, Health Service Executive Area and the Homeless Agency.

“The homeless need a roof over their heads but they also require joined-up thinking from Government so that they can find their way from hostel accommodation into independent living.

“I believe that the Taoiseach should meet with this group and accept the petition in person,” concluded Deputy Cuffe.

by Mark Grehan - Street Seen Tue Dec 06, 2005 13:42 streetseen at hotmail dot co dot uk 087 7974622

Street Seen Press Release
6th December 6, 2005
Picket at Dáil Eireann 4 pm
Tuesday 6 December

Emmet Stagg TD with cross party support will today raise the issue in the Dáil on behalf of Street Seen as to why Mr. Ahern is ignoring the pressing homeless crisis that has received widespread media coverage recently. He will request that the Taoiseach personally goes to the gates of the Dáil today and receives the 20, 000 signatures from Street Seen. He will also raise an emergency motion in support of the Street Seen proposal that the monies received from the sale of the UCD veterinary college, 171 million euros, be allocated to Dublin City Council to address the current Homeless problems in the City.
A group of Homeless people and Street Seen will be present outside the Dáil today at 4p.m. waiting for the Taoiseach to at last personally accept the petitions that homeless people in Dublin have collected in support of their demands.

Mark Grehan Street Seen spokesperson said

“Members of the homeless community have gathered signatures over the last several months in support of the demand for the government to hand over the proceeds of the sale of the UCD veterinary site in Ballsbridge to help eradicate homelessness. The homeless activists have worked hard gathering the public support. The Taoiseach has so far refused to come out and meet the homeless delegation to collect their petitions. If it was a business delegation he would have been out quicker than you could say reelection.”

Joan Collins (Independent Cllr) said

"As a Dublin resident and City Councilor I have seen at first hand the effects of homelessness in this city. The Street Seen proposal should be accepted by central Government to address the Homeless crisis in this city immediately. It’s a disgrace that Bertie can’t find the time to meet the Street Seen delegation"

Eddy Murphy (Homeless) said

“It’s a disgrace that the Taoiseach is ignoring us homeless people in this way. He could take five minutes and come out and receive our petitions if he really wants to demonstrate that he cares about homelessness. The money from the sale of the building is needed urgently to tackle homelessness in this city not to pay for fancy offices for civil servants."
For further details:

Mark Grehan 087 7974622
Jon Glackin 086 8885779

by Mark Grehan - Street Seen Tue Dec 06, 2005 15:20 streetseen at hotmail dot co dot uk 12a Brunswick Place, Dublin 2 087 7974622

Street Seen Press release
6/12/5
Government refuses to debate the Homeless crisis
Protest at the Dáil 4 o’clock today


Today in the Dáil, Labour party TD, Emmet Stagg requested time for a special debate on homelessness. This request was refused. Homeless Protesters will gather outside the Dáil on Kildare Street in a further attempt to hand in their petition to Bertie Aherne.

Emmet Stagg, Labour Party TD said

“Today in the Dáil I requested time for a special debate on homelessness but unfortunately the request was refused. I strongly support the campaign on behalf of the homeless organized by Street Seen. The level of public support for the campaign is indicated by the 20,000 signatures collected. The signatures are now on their second day outside the Dáil waiting for the Taoiseach Bertie Aherne to actually accept the petition – he is not usually shy of a photo opportunity. While the government wastes public money on daft and grandiose schemes the number of homeless has increased by really frightening numbers. This is a direct result of neglect by Government Ministers of the issue of housing and the causes of homelessness. It should be clearly understood that persons, old or young, who are forced to sleep in the open, particularly in severe winter conditions are vulnerable to many high winds and to dying from the cold. We can and must put and end to this scandal and we certainly can afford to do so. What it requires is to actually care and to have the political will to act.”

Mark Grehan spokesperson for Street Seen

“The refusal of the government to debate this serious issue is a disgrace. It shows the contempt with which they hold the homeless community. Members of the homeless community are dying on our streets while the Government ignores their desperate plight. We must ask why the government is refusing a debate on this issue. Is it that they are afraid of being exposed for doing nothing on this issue? Or is it that they just want to ignore this issue in the hope that the protestors will go away?”

For further details

Mark Grehan 087 7974622
Jon Glackin 086 8885779

by Jon Glackin Tue Dec 06, 2005 15:36

Can we encourage anyone who is free to come along at 4pm to show support with the homeless community.

Can people please circulate the info as widely as possible.

Bertie will hear our voice!

The Homeless are Revolting... Join Them!

by Im Spartacus Wed Dec 07, 2005 00:05

Protesters today pledged to keep fighting in their bid to hand a petition on homelessness to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, as calls for a Dáil debate on the issue were refused.

Around a dozen campaigners wanted to personally present Mr Ahern with 20,000 signatures supporting their demand to use money from sale of the UCD Veterinary College site – which raised more than €170m – to help people living rough in Dublin.

But although the Taoiseach did not turn up outside Leinster House to receive the petition, the protesters said they would not give up attempts to see it got to him.

The protest follows a previous demonstration last week in which a group charged through security barriers into the courtyard clutching the signatures.

Today campaigners were met with a heavier-than-normal garda presence and the main gates were closed, but despite a brief dispute with officers over where they could hang their "the homeless are revolting" banner, it did not appear they would attempt to repeat the stunt.

However, John McArdle, who has been living rough in Dublin for more than five years, said they were not prepared to give up.

“We want to see the Government provide proper homes for the homeless to live in – we don’t want to see any more deaths on the streets,” he said.

“The Government is just ignoring us, we’re just like a piece of dirt on the ground.

“We need some respect off the Government,” he said.

Homeless group Street Seen, which organised the protest, said if Mr Ahern would not meet them outside the Dail they would take the petition to his Drumcondra constituency office and sleep outside until he took notice.

Meanwhile, in the Dáil, Labour Party chief whip Emmet Stagg’s request for a special debate on homelessness was turned down.

Mr Stagg said it was possible to end the scandal of deaths on the street, but it required political will to act.

“While the government wastes public money on daft and grandiose schemes the number of homeless has increased by really frightening numbers.

“This is a direct result of neglect by Government ministers of the issue of housing and the causes of homelessness.

“It should be clearly understood that persons, old or young, who are forced to sleep in the open, particularly in severe winter conditions are vulnerable to many high winds and to dying from the cold,” the Labour TD said.

Street Seen spokesman Mark Grehan labelled the Government’s refusal to debate the issue a disgrace.

“Members of the homeless community are dying on our streets while the Government ignores their desperate plight.

“We must ask why the Government is refusing a debate on this issue – is it that they are afraid of being exposed for doing nothing on this issue, or is it that they just want to ignore this issue in the hope that the protestors will go away?” he said.

by Elaine Wed Dec 07, 2005 01:08

Here Bertiebertiebertie... Nothing could entice An Taoiseach (give him his proper title) to get his scrawny little arse out to the gates of Leinster House, to accept a petition of 20,000 signatures, from representatives of Dublin's growing homeless population.

Aisling Got The Best Seat, Outside The House!

'Green Man' Sez Go; Homeless Say 'Where To?'

Will We Get A Receipt For This? ~ We Will Like Fuck!

Here Come The Men In Black ~ Getting Jiggy With It!

Tommy, Mark, Jagger, Emmet Stagg, John And Eddie

by Elaine Wed Dec 07, 2005 01:18

... next time bait it with real money.

Street Seen Dancers: Chorus Line Needs A Little More Work - Otherwise, Looking Good

Don't Give Me That Look - We Are Going To Stay Here And Practice Til We Get It Right!

No The Chorus Line Hasn't Been Raptured - But At The End Of The Evening, Bertie Still Hadn't Come Out To Get His Petition... Where's Bertie?

by Im Spartacus Thu Dec 15, 2005 19:15

Housing Minister Noel Ahern has defended the Government's record on tackling homelessness.

It follows a sit-down protest outside Dáil Éireann by a group of homeless people where a petition of twenty thousand signatures was handed in to the Taoiseach.

Speaking at the launch of a new programme, the Tenancy Sustainment Service, aimed at tackling homelessness in Dublin, the Minister insisted that “enormous resources” are being poured into services dealing with homelessness.

He added that those protesting should put their energies into helping deliver these services instead of “wasting time” protesting on the streets.

The new scheme aims to wipe out the problem on the streets of the capital completely by 2010.

by Davy Carlin Thu Dec 15, 2005 19:29

Only one way to deal with that comment me thinks.

Cometh the new Year

by observer2 Fri Dec 16, 2005 22:20

I think Noel ahern might be better checking his departments itemised phone bill than attacking those voices of dissent against his inept handling of the homeless situation in Dublin. As good and dedicated as the workers in this area are it would be impossible for them to deliver services which don't exist, and Noel Ahern might be better congratulating them on their work rather than his recent attempts to silence them through putting pressure on their employers. He might also be concerned at the antics of his fellow F.F member Cllr. Eibhlin Byrne who is attempting to heighten her political profile on the back of this marginalised group.

As usual with the current administration, the voices of the people don't matter.

by Davy Carlin Fri Dec 30, 2005 11:08

There is a full page 'News Feature' in todays Daily Ireland on Street Seen {Page 10}

by john saunders - no fixed aboders Sat Feb 25, 2006 02:24

what are ye all talkin about time to start totalk about things that have beung done