Sir, – Taoiseach Simon Harris has said that the continuing rise in homeless figures is “peculiar”, in view of recent increases in social and affordable housing. But the details in the most recent Department of Housing report show that there is nothing remotely peculiar about it, particularly given the startling breakdown of homelessness by nationality (News, July 27th).
Of the 9,899 adults who were homeless last month, 5,349 were Irish citizens, 2,229 were citizens of the EU or UK, with 2,321 from the rest of the world. Since the end of the eviction ban in March 2023, there has been a net increase of 1,383 in emergency accommodation: the number of Irish citizens has increased by 202, the number of EU and UK citizens by 357, and the number from the rest of the world has increased by an incredible 824.
Foreign nationals comprise just 12 per cent of the population of the State and yet, according to the official Department of Housing statistics, they account for 46 per cent of the total in emergency accommodation and 85 per cent of the increase in homelessness over the last 15 months.
Why is there absolutely no debate or comment on these extraordinary numbers? At the very least they suggest that foreign nationals in Ireland are being badly failed by our housing system, but in a broader sense they provide further evidence of an immigration system on the brink of collapse.
There has been a concerted effort in the media and political circles to avoid drawing a link between the housing crisis and the asylum crisis, for fear of stoking tensions or pandering to the dreaded “far right”, when it is undeniable that these issues are inextricably linked.
A mature democracy ought to be willing to debate this link and, instead of feigning puzzlement, the Taoiseach should have the courage to lead that discussion. – Yours, etc,
BARRY WALSH,
Clontarf,
Dublin 3.