Taoiseach 'scapegoated' migrants with 'beyond disappointing' homelessness comment

James Cox

Taoiseach Simon Harris 'scapegoated' asylum seekers with his comment linking homelessness and migration, according to migrant charity Nasc.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Mr Harris said: “People understand the fact that homelessness numbers are heavily impacted by the fact we are seeing many people seek protection in our country, seek asylum in our country and many people come from abroad hoping to have a new future in Ireland and immigration, it has many, many pluses, but it has had a challenge there.”

Mr Harris' comments prompted criticism from charities that work with asylum seekers and a number of opposition politicians.

Nasc chief executive Fiona Hurley told BreakingNews.ie: "Having our Taoiseach make statements that scapegoat people who seek protection, instead of acknowledging the extent of successive governments' failures in relation to homelessness is beyond disappointing.

"In light of the rise of far-right violence, the Taoiseach should be showing political leadership and not deflecting blame for successive government failures to deliver on housing commitments."

Ms Hurley added: "Many people are already terrified of being targeted by the violent anti-immigrant perpetrators that we've seen committing arson attacks in our communities all over the country.

"Children in Direct Provision and other emergency accommodation centres already face significant stigma. Hearing their political leaders talk about them as if they're a problem rather than a person can only add to that stigma."

She also expressed concern about "what kind of commentary", the Taoiseach's comments could encourage in the run-up to the next general election.

"It's a deeply concerning indication of what is being deemed acceptable in public discourse, and we are worried about the kind of commentary this will encourage in the run-up to the general election."