Harris under fire

TANAISTE Simon Harris has been urged to withdraw “dishonest and dangerous” comments linking the high rate of homelessness to immigration.

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN

In October, he said figures showing 80% of asylum applications are rejected led him to believe migration numbers are too high.

The Finance Minister doubled down on these comments in an interview, saying there are a “significant number” of people in emergency accommodation who don't have a housing right in Ireland.

This comes as the country is dealing with a record level of homelessness, with latest figures showing 16,766 people in emergency accommodation.