20110329 [Dáil] Richard Boyd Barrett - Census & CACI

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett (People Before Profit / United Left Alliance) raises the issue of CACI and the 2011 Irish Census on Tuesday 29th March 2010. Earlier that day, the issue was also raised by Deputy Pádraig MacLochlainn of Sinn Féin [see video response below] and later in Written Questions by Deputy Clare Daly of the Socialist Party http://debates.oireachtas.ie/dail/2011/03/29/00044.asp
[note: there is some very minuscule clipping of the audio as this often occurs when streaming the video from the Oireachtas streaming video playback service]

below is the transcript from the Oireachtas website. (note: it's not word for word, but fills in the small gaps due to the mentioned clipping of the audio)
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Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: I refer to a matter of grave national importance. I tabled a question to the Taoiseach on this matter but the question was not reached. A fellow Deputy also raised this point. Can time be made available to discuss the census issue and the company involved and contracted to participate in organising the census? I imagine the Taoiseach is aware that the company is CACI UK, which is a subsidiary of an American-based multinational that had the contract from the US Department of Defence for involvement in interrogation in Abu Ghraib and against which serious allegations have been made in regard to its involvement in the horrendous activities in Abu Ghraib.

An Ceann Comhairle: A question please, Deputy Boyd Barrett.

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: I am trying to make the case to the Taoiseach why time should be made for this. Serious concerns are being expressed about the sensitive nature of the census information being potentially accessible to a company against which grave human rights allegations have been made and which is linked to the US Department of Defence. This is a matter of national importance and it should be discussed. Statements on behalf of the Government should be made and Deputies should have the opportunity to ask questions about this matter.

The Taoiseach: I suggest to Deputy Boyd Barrett that he raises this matter on the Adjournment through the Ceann Comhairle's office. I know he has tabled a question to the Taoiseach and these are answered on the basis of a rota. A certain number are answered every day. Deputy Boyd Barrett could change this to a written question and I will see that the Whip with responsibility for census matters gives the fullest information possible.

An Ceann Comhairle: I call Deputy Ferris.

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: Briefly ----

An Ceann Comhairle: No, Deputy Boyd Barrett has received his answer. It is a matter for the Whips. Deputy Boyd Barrett can seek time through his Whip to deal with the issue.

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: The census is taking place on 10 April——

An Ceann Comhairle: Sorry Deputy Boyd Barrett——

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: There is a timing issue. There is a question about the integrity of——

An Ceann Comhairle: I ask Deputy Boyd Barrett to resume his seat.

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett: ——-the census and this is a serious national matter.

The Taoiseach: I launched the census a short time ago and it is very important in terms of Ireland's economy and social issues. Deputy Boyd Barrett requests up-to-date information on this matter and I suggest seeking Dáil time through the Whips or he can request the Ceann Comhairle's office to grant an Adjournment debate. This will allow Deputy Boyd Barrett some time and allow the Minister some time to answer. He can also transfer his oral question for written answer and he will be given as much information as can be supplied.

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http://debates.oireachtas.ie/dail/2011/03/29/00017.asp
http://richardboydbarrett.ie/2011/03/31/serious-questions-over-safety-of-cens...

for more on this story go to

http://multistory.itison.net/

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• CSO
• census
• dail
• dáil
• People Before Profit
• United Left Alliance
• politics
• ireland
• Abu Ghraib
• CACI
• Richard Boyd Barrett
• Taoiseach
• Enda Kenny

[simonconroy08061]

This a a blatent example of how extremely important issues get pushed far aside in Government forums.. Serious information is being told to an uninterested troop of apes.. We are a lost cause..

[shy1956]

Look out lockheed Martin....we've got Chief Whips.........

[anbhfuiltu1]

well done pbpp and Sinn Fein dont let them away with anything

[rossperotjunior]

I must say you are all paranoid imbeciles.

[DavespinDr]

If the entire country requests help in filling out the form it would taks a long time

[Maccer229]

The best thing to do, as have thousands in the UK is to simply Boycott it. Burn it, throw it in the bin, feed it to the dog etc.