Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach has, including in the interview which is the cause of the Deputy's question, talked about the rights we have to look after those who need support and the benefits migration and openness bring to our country and economy, which he has done on many occasions. Regardless of where somebody comes from, if they are born here, making Ireland their home or if they seek refuge here, they have a right to expect that we will do all we can to prevent them from being homeless and give them support, which we do. It is the reason that the Government spends more than €200 million per year to try to prevent people being homeless, that we have the largest social housing programme for many decades and that our ongoing efforts to accommodate those looking for refuge and to provide more homes are the responsibility of two different Departments. We made the case for openness and for the rules in relation to migration. We also made the case for the great benefits migration and openness have brought to our country.

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