Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The point is that I do not disagree with the Deputy. The other competitive issue regarding the digital and Internet space is energy. That would be of concern to me in the medium term as it affects the cost base that may apply. I have also discussed that area with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Ryan. The Deputy has said we are playing catch up. We know and it is accepted that the privatisation of Telecom Éireann, now Eircom, caused difficulties here in the interim period. The Government introduced the MAN initiative, which has had an impact. We are now the fastest growing country in the OECD. We are catching up pretty quickly. To be fair, the private sector companies are putting their shoulder to the wheel in this regard.

See this speech in context