Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

It helps us to reduce our emissions, to access information and do our work without having to travel. It provides open democratic access to information that was not previously available. It is at the very centre of my agenda and I have been, and will continue to be, an advocate for the development of digital technologies.

All domestic groups will be involved in the consultation document. I regret the delay in putting it out but I apologise to no one for trying to getting things right before doing so. I am confident my colleagues will recognise this as a crucial investment under the NDP. In the past year, broadband connections increased from 500,000 to 1 million and mobile broadband connections from zero to 120,000, while Ireland was the third fastest growing economy in the OECD in terms of broadband connection. I am happy we are progressing but we have a long way to go. I am happy to lead us there.

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