Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

The authors state, "Access to broadband connection to the 'information highway' is more restricted in Ireland with only half of the country's telephone lines being capable of giving access". In summary, they state:

Ireland's place in the 'knowledge economy' stakes indicates serious weaknesses. This is especially bad news for rural Ireland were the future actually turn out to be like this 'business as usual' scenario.

It is absolutely critical that every effort is made by the Department of Agriculture and Food and other relevant Departments to ensure Ireland is a keen competitor. Clearly, we are now in a global economy and we will be left behind if we are not able to compete in this area.

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