Taoiseach Martin Links Immigration to Homelessness, Draws Criticism in Dáil

Taoiseach Micheál Martin faced criticism in the Dáil from the Social Democrats for linking immigration to the number of people in emergency homeless accommodation. Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns called his remarks «shameful» on Tuesday.

Martin defended his comments, stating the composition of homelessness is «much different now than it was 10 years ago.» He noted Ireland’s population increase and said the «migration impact» has affected housing. He highlighted that over 50 percent of people in emergency accommodation are non-Irish, a figure even higher in Dublin, and said, «We’ve got to deal with that.»

Cairns cited March figures showing 17,517 homeless people, including over 5,500 children, and reported nearly €500 million spent on emergency accommodation last year. She accused the Government of worsening the situation and blaming migrants for its failures. Martin countered that the Social Democrats lacked capacity to address housing and homelessness, stating, «Soundbites won’t build houses.» He emphasized the need to understand the problem's changing composition to inform different responses.