Richard Boyd Barrett said: “I recently received a cancer diagnosis and I am about to begin a treatment programme. I have been advised by my doctors to take a complete break to focus on my treatment and recovery. I will therefore take an extended period of leave starting later this week.
"The constituency operation in Dún Laoghaire will continue. Bríd Smith will be helping to run the constituency work in my absence and I want to thank her and the constituency team for their support.
"I’m disappointed to have to step back from my work during this time, but I look forward to getting back as soon as possible to representing my constituents and campaigning on housing; to ensure that ordinary people are not made to pay for Trump’s tariff wars; to defend our neutrality; for the people of Gaza; and all the other issues that are central to my political life.
“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank all the health workers who have been looking after me so well. I am relying entirely on the public health care system and I hope that the Government will fulfill their commitment to resource and staff our public health service so the health workers can look after us all the way that they want to do.”
People Before Profit said: “Richard's commitment to People Before Profit and the fight for a better world is hard to match. We are sure very many people will be wishing him a speedy recovery. The party stands behind Richard as he takes time to prioritise his health and we look forward to welcoming him back soon!”