Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I want to return to an issue I raised yesterday, namely the Taoiseach's comments at the weekend which appeared to draw a connection between migration and homelessness. I know the Minister made a statement rightly pointing out that international protection applicants do not have a right to HAP or State housing supports. The reality is that the principal reason for homelessness is the lack of houses, the lack of homes. It is certainly not helpful to hear Government Ministers appearing to scapegoat migrants. Nor is it helpful, however, to hear the biggest Opposition party buying into the same political rhetoric. This morning, we all heard Deputy Doherty single out those who have come here seeking refuge from Ukraine. It is neither helpful nor appropriate to have anyone, in government or opposition, suggesting in any way that those who have come here fleeing Russia's brutal bombardment of Ukraine have in some way contributed to a housing crisis that is of the Government's making. Communities across Ireland have stood in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, and I am really disappointed to hear that Sinn Féin is clearly offering a cold shoulder to them. At this point, at this new low in the political vernacular, when we hear this sort of scapegoating, will the Minister tell us why the Government has watered down the hate crime Bill and when the Minister for Justice will bring forward those amendments in the Seanad-----

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