Housing Minister Simon Coveney has launched 'Changing Perceptions – Stigma and Social Housing in Ireland'.

Clúid's Head of Policy, Simon Brooke said some people have preconceived negative views about social housing tenants, who are depicted as work shy, exploiting the benefits system, living rent free, and likely to engage in anti-social behaviour.

He said: "It is very important to emphasise that stigma is far from universal. Tenants in many social housing estates do not feel stigmatised; they identify strongly with their neighbourhood and feel a strong sense of pride in their community. That being said, it is clear that where people feel stigmatised through living in social housing, the effects of this can be acute and have a significant impact on their lives.

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"This research throws a unique light on the operation of stigma in Irish social housing and helps us to give us a much better understanding of this phenomenon. Through this, we can develop effective strategies for tackling stigma."

The study, which was carried out by a team from University College Dublin, examined three case study estates in Dublin – Fatima Mansions, Ballymun and Clarion Quay.

It found that the concentration of low income households in social housing tended to exacerbate the level of stigma, and that once established, stigma is difficult to shift. It also found significant evidence of local and national media playing a prominent role in perpetuating and intensifying stigmatisation.

(CD/LM)