World Immigration News

Tánaiste Simon Harris Faces Backlash Over Linking Homelessness to Immigration

Release Date: 2026-01-17
Media: VisaHQ
Summary: Simon Harris, Ireland’s deputy prime minister (Tánaiste), has sparked criticism after suggesting a “significant number” of people in emergency accommodation may lack a right to housing support in Ireland because of their immigration status. Opponents, including Sinn Féin housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin, accused him of dog-whistling and inflaming anti-immigrant sentiment, and Dublin City Council passed a motion rejecting the claim.

Harris says he was underscoring the need to plan housing policy around population growth and migration flows. Government figures show roughly half of the 11,675 adults in emergency accommodation are non-Irish nationals, though that does not mean they are all ineligible for social housing.

The row highlights the political tension between recognizing migration’s economic benefits and addressing public concerns about strained services, with housing emerging as a potential flashpoint for community support. It also notes that divisions over rhetoric could complicate upcoming immigration and mobility reforms, while advising employers to budget for housing support and coordinate early with local councils. The text includes promotional content for a visa services company (VisaHQ).
Tags: Ireland

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