Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise to our guests for not greeting them before the meeting. The foyer was very busy. I ask members, delegates and those in the Visitors Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as they cause interference with the recording equipment, even when switched to silent mode.

On behalf of the joint committee, I extend a warm welcome to representatives of Habitat for Humanity. We are all aware of the rapid urbanisation of developing countries and the consequential pressure this places on the need for housing. This discussion of the issue of housing in developing countries is, therefore, timely as we have not discussed the theme for some time. I look forward to the contributions of our guests on the issue. As they will be aware, delegations from the committee travel to the developing world from time to time to observe people in their local environments and learn about how they live. It is important for us to learn about the role of Habitat for Humanity and I am very pleased to have representatives of the organisation before us. The principal speakers are Mr. Vincent Cunningham, executive director, Habitat for Humanity Ireland, and Mr. Kebede Abebe, national director, Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia. Mr. Cunningham and Mr. Abebe are accompanied by Ms Jeannie McCann, communications manager. Without further ado, I invite our guests to make a presentation, after which we will have a question and answer session.