Roderic O’Gorman, Ireland’s Minister for Integration, has accused Prime Minister Simon Harris of being misleading in his statements linking the rise in asylum seekers to the increase in homelessness. O’Gorman urged the Prime Minister to present the facts, emphasizing that the public deserves accurate information on both immigration and homelessness.
Harris has faced significant criticism in recent days for his remarks. He stated in an interview with the Sunday Times, “People understand that the number of homeless individuals is heavily influenced by the influx of those seeking protection and asylum in our country, as well as many others arriving from abroad in search of a new future in Ireland.”
According to the Minister for Integration and Inclusion, the law in Ireland does not allow asylum seekers to claim housing support, nor are they entitled to social housing or the opportunity to seek homeless accommodation. O’Gorman stated, “We all have a duty to clarify the facts regarding existing rights. There’s no doubt that we have witnessed immigration in this country over the past few years, and we know that many of these individuals have come for various reasons. I believe we need to stick to the facts and that we cannot blame vulnerable individuals.”
Asylum seekers under protection and Ukrainians fleeing war have no rights regarding housing or homelessness, according to O’Gorman. This policy, he argues, was implemented by the government to ensure that efforts to address the housing crisis and homelessness do not detract from the government’s commitment to responding to individuals in need of protection.
Paul Murphy, representing People Before Profit, criticized the Prime Minister’s statements that blame migrants for the rise in homelessness, accusing him of shameful tax evasion. “Attributing the increase in emergency refugee accommodation to asylum seekers, as Simon Harris has done, is not only morally reprehensible but also a blatant lie,” Murphy stated.
According to homelessness figures from August 2024, 46% of the 4,642 residents in emergency accommodation were non-Irish. O’Gorman noted that asylum seekers who leave shelters immediately after their claims are approved can put pressure on the system. Once an individual is granted protection and becomes a refugee, they are entitled to reside in Ireland and access services just like any other resident. Housing Minister Dara O’Brien also highlighted an increase in the number of individuals with direct residence rights entering emergency accommodation.
