Residency rule threat to vulnerable people

YOU correctly identified that difficulties exist for individuals legitimately seeking access to social welfare due to the operation of the habitual residency condition (January 25).

Focus Ireland is concerned at the growing number of people being refused social welfare payments on the basis of allegedly failing to meet this condition. As a housing and homeless charity we are particularly concerned this may put vulnerable people at risk of becoming homeless.

The habitual residency condition is a bad piece of legislation that is being applied inappropriately and inconsistently. This results in Irish citizens and legal residents being refused welfare benefits to which they are entitled.