Fine Gael leader Leo Harris responds to an EU housing-related comment by pushing back on the claim that Ireland’s housing crisis is the “most severe” in Europe. Speaking at the turning of the sod for a 410-home development in Bishopstown, Cork on Friday, Harris says housing is a challenge across the European Union and argues that the situation must be viewed in context. Harris also states that he has not seen the “exact comments” attributed to Irene Tinagli, the EU housing chair referred to by media outlets. The exchange centers on international comparisons of housing pressures in member states and how Ireland’s situation is characterized. While acknowledging the scale of housing demand and delivery efforts in Ireland, Harris focuses on the broader European context rather than accepting the specific ranking implied by the earlier remark. Both outlets report the same core points: Harris makes the remarks in Cork at the start of the 410-home scheme and declines to endorse or directly engage with the precise wording of Tinagli’s comments.