David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Or all those on social welfare. I face the reality of what I see every day. I have always believed in speaking the truth and do not care a damn whether it causes trouble.

There are three recommendations which seem to be perfectly reasonable and in tandem with the objectives of the Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. I have no difficulty with any of them. It would strengthen our hand if we could pass them to the Department as an indicator of our support. There is nothing controversial in them. As they do not call for specific expenditure, the Department of Finance will not get into a tizzy over them. They suggest using our voice to prioritise and promote housing policies, lasting systemic change and opportunities for ourselves as a people to learn about our brothers and sisters throughout the world who face these difficulties. This kind of learning programme is extremely important, if we can get it into schools. It might even affect our own behaviour in the future. If the Chairman and my colleagues agree, I suggest we take this as a note, stating we agree and support it, and refer it to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.