Housing statistics plan a ‘disgusting’ PR exercise

Opposition parties and charities have labelled mooted Government plans to remove non-EU nationals from homelessness figures as a “disgusting” PR exercise.

Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, and charities lashed out at Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy and the suggestion last night, despite Government sources insisting it was an attempt to ensure those affected were not stuck in long-term homelessness.

Leaked reports to a Sunday newspaper revealed that the Department of Housing was considering removing non-EU nationals who are without housing or without working rights in Ireland from official homelessness figures. People in some long-term health addiction care may also be affected.