Taoiseach defends comments linking homelessness levels and migration

Simon Harris had told the Sunday Times the rate of homelessness was impacted by the numbers of people coming to Ireland seeking international protection or migrating. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins 

The Taoiseach has defended comments he made linking homelessness levels and migration.

Simon Harris had told the Sunday Times the rate of homelessness was impacted by the numbers of people coming to Ireland seeking international protection or migrating.

Speaking in New York, Mr Harris said there was "an absolute link" between people leaving direct provision presenting as homeless. However, the Taoiseach said his comments were not "apportioning blame" to any particular group of people.

"There is no doubt that there is a link between the migration challenge we face and the homeless challenge — not the entirety of homelessness, of course.

"But if you look at the figures, for example, for the month of July in Dublin, the single biggest reason people gave for presenting at Dublin homeless services was exiting direct provision. 

"And if you look at the figures for Dublin over the summer months, I think June, but this is generally over months, you'll see that around 20% to 24% of people who present come from countries outside the European Economic Area, and I think around a similar percentage from either the UK or the EU.

"So the point I was making, and I stand by very, very much so, is that over the last number of years, we've seen a growing population. Over the last number of years, we've seen many people come to our country."

Mr Harris said he had reiterated in the interview that immigration was a good thing and that Ireland benefitted from immigration.

"I promised the people of Ireland that I was going to try and apply common sense, and there is absolutely no doubt that a rising population and a rising number of people coming to our country, of course, has an impact on supply. 

"Of course, it's not the fault of anybody. It's not to apportion blame, and it's certainly not to apportion blame to vulnerable people, not in any manner or means," he said. 

"But the figures speak for themselves, and the data is there for all people to see.

"There is an absolute direct link in our figures that are published monthly between people exiting direct provision and people presenting at homeless services," the Taoiseach added.