Taoiseach's claim about 'low' rate of homelessness based on figures 'two years out of date'

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's recent claim that Ireland's homelessness levels are "low" by international standards is based on two independent reports, one of whose Irish data is two years out of date and both of which specifically say international comparisons are questionable, writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith.

A Government spokesperson confirmed the source of the claim despite insisting the Taoiseach's comments are correct amid criticism from homelessness charities and opposition leaders who asked "what planet is he living on".