Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Bhí mé ag éisteacht le Clare FM agus chuala mé gur inniu lá breithe an Cheann Comhairle. Ba mhaith liom mo chomhghairdeas a ghabháil leat, a Cheann Comhairle, os rud é go bhfuil tú sa Chathaoir mhór chumhachtach chompordach sin.

I wish to ask the Taoiseach a question about an issue I consider is really important in the context of our future. In interviews the Taoiseach has given in recent weeks he has quite rightly spoken of that future and of the requirement to invest in it with particular relevance to information technology, research and development. When he has been questioned he has replied consistently in the context of the National Development Plan 2007-2013 which, in his own words, is to transform Ireland and provide a better quality of life for all our people, young and old.

In that context I ask the Taoiseach about the commitment in that national development plan, on page 199, which deals with an investment of €252 million in information and computer technology for schools. This is a mess. There is less than one computer for every ten pupils and less than one in five is actually working. There is inconsistency in terms of the replacement of hardware. Broadband is not available in a number of schools. The situation, as far as the future is concerned which the Taoiseach has pointed out as being important, is all over the place. Will the commitment in the national development plan to invest €252 million over the next seven years be delivered in full and spent in full?

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