President Higgins disagrees with Harris’ claim that record homelessness linked to migration, Higgins now Attacks Harris, on Migrants. Higgins says But I’m not in government as I will, no doubt be reminded. Correct little Michael D WITH THE 75 Room Palace, and 12 Chefs, and Housekeepers in the Phoenix, a Hard Life, for a former Labour Man?Michael D Higgins’ remarks on Israel and the housing crisis are just the latest examples of him, ‘overstepping the mark’ as president, Shane Coleman has claimed.

PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins has disagreed with comments made by Taoiseach Simon Harris today in which he linked Ireland’s record level of homelessness with migration.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, the Taoiseach claimed that the record homeless numbers in Ireland are linked to migration and asylum seekers. According to the latest figures from the Department of Housing, 10,028 adults and 4,401 children were in emergency accommodation in July, a record number. These figures do not include rough sleepers, people in direct provision centres who have leave to remain in the State, the over 2,000 male asylum seekers without offers of accommodation, or people in domestic refuges.

The President said he has not read the interview, but when asked if he accepts the premise that the shortage of housing in Ireland is caused by people seeking international protection, he responded: “No I do not.”