Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the deputation. It was interesting to hear about the work they do. Like other people, my original perception was that Habitat for Humanity was involved with housing in the developing world, as opposed to our world, until I learned some years ago of its work here. One thing for the committee to examine is how shelter should be included in housing policy after the period of the millennium development goals. This is vital because, as the deputation said, it is easily measurable. I have two particular questions. Within the countries in which Habitat for Humanity is based, what type of funding does it get? Do any of the countries assist in the organisation's projects?

I know of the involvement of Habitat for Humanity with Dublin City Council. The deputation referred to being part of the solution. In practical terms, how does the deputation envisage this? I know of some of the work that Habitat for Humanity is doing - for example, the housing in Inchicore. As Deputy Crowe said, there is a major problem with housing in the Dublin Central area and other areas around Dublin. We are seeing substandard housing being let out for private rented accommodation. We can also see the number of voids that are left in the local authority areas. I am unsure whether there is a role for Habitat for Humanity in this regard. I know that the organisation renovates, but is there scope for a more direct engagement with Dublin City Council, given that the deputation said the organisation could be part of the solution?

Some youth groups in my area have been part of the organisation's projects. They have been to Paraguay and Romania. The groups were made up of young people, some of whom are foreign nationals, along with local Dublin boys and girls. They went out to build houses. It is one of those experiences that defines people when they come back and it was a great opportunity for them to do that.