Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said migration has “hugely” impacted homelessness, telling the Dáil that “less than 50% are now Irish citizens”.
Speaking during a Dáil debate on housing today, the Fianna Fáil leader said the “fundamental change” in homelessness in recent years was the proportion of non-Irish nationals within the figures, adding that “the facts speak for themselves”.
He made the remarks during a tense exchange with opposition TDs, who could be heard interrupting from the benches.
Martin said that migration had played a significant role in shaping current homelessness trends, while insisting that the issue itself remained serious.
“Look, the fundamental change in homelessness – and it’s still an issue without question – is the fact that about less than 50% are now Irish citizens,” Martin said.
“Migration has impacted hugely on homelessness. The facts speak for themselves.”
His comments were met with audible objection in the chamber from Leftwing opposition TDs.
Martin responded to the interruptions by calling for what he described as an “honest debate” on the issue, and defended his characterisation of the figures.
“Look, if we can’t have an honest debate… don’t be getting into high dudgeon now,” he said.
“That is the truth. That is the truth, unfortunately, whether you like it or not. And you can try and make all the commentary you like about that. Look at the Dublin figures alone.”
Recent data has shown that Irish citizens have made up a minority of homeless adults in the State for a number of months.
As reported by Gript in November 2025, Housing Minister James Browne said at the time that more than half of adults in emergency homeless accommodation were not Irish citizens.
“Approximately 50% of people in emergency accommodation are not Irish citizens,” Browne said.
“However, they have a right to be here, and they have a right to housing supports.”
Figures published by the Department of Housing for September 2025 showed that there were 11,376 adults in emergency accommodation, of whom 5,689 were foreign nationals compared to 5,687 Irish citizens.
The same report recorded a total of 16,614 people in emergency accommodation, including 5,238 children, although a nationality breakdown for children was not provided.
Browne also pointed to population growth as a factor in housing demand, noting that the State’s population had been increasing “very significantly” in recent years.
“Our population has been increasing significantly and I think that’s one of the unique aspects of our housing challenges compared to other EU countries that are also in housing crisis,” he said.
“But we have to understand where the crisis is if we’re going to address it.”