Nasc: Non-EU workers kept off of housing list

PEOPLE from non-EU countries living and working in Ireland are being denied a place on the social housing list because of a “discriminatory and unconstitutional” circular issued by the Department of the Environment to local authorities, it has been claimed.

Last year, the department sent a directive to councils stating that only immigrants with a long-term residency “stamp 4” visa for “at least five years prior to application” were eligible to apply for social housing.

However, immigrant support group Nasc said the rule excludes a raft of people who have been in Ireland for many years and should have a right to housing.