Mr. Vincent Cunningham:

First, we call on the joint committee to use its influence to encourage the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Irish Aid in particular, to prioritise funding and support for governments and civil society organisations to develop and implement innovative shelter programmes that are appropriate and sustainable to the housing needs of the world's poor. Second, we call on the committee to use Ireland's voice to promote housing policies and interventions that bring about lasting systemic change and challenge the root causes of families being forced to live in inadequate housing. This includes discussions on the post-2015 development agenda, in which Habitat for Humanity calls for shelter to be included as an explicit, measurable priority. Third, we call on the committee to promote opportunities for the Irish public to learn, engage and participate in global issues, including housing interventions.

Tonight and every night, more than 1.6 billion people will be forced to sleep standing up when it rains because they do not have a decent roof. They will be constantly afraid of their safety because they do not have doors that lock. Safe shelter saves lives. Our work at Habitat for Humanity will not stop until everybody has a decent place to call home. This evening, as we all head home, we ask members to keep that in mind. Thank you for your time today.