A homeless couple were found sleeping on the scaffolding surrounding the Department of Health's headquarters on Dublin's Hawkins Street.

They were discovered by Department staff last Wednesday morning and told officials that they felt safer on the scaffolding than on the street.

In a statement, the Department of Health said the Office of Public Works (OPW) had placed scaffolding around the building as a safety measure "to protect both people and property in the immediate area. They voluntarily left the premises shortly afterwards".

A spokesperson confirmed officials contacted Dublin City Council (DCC) to see if it would be possible to put the twins in touch with relevant support services: "DCC undertook to try to locate the individuals in order to give them advice on how to access accommodation."

Online Editors