John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I join with those who want the Leader of the House to write to the Vatican to wish Pope Benedict XVI the best in his onerous duties.

This House would benefit from a debate on competition. There is no doubt but that vigorous competition drives productivity, growth and innovation and provides value for all. On numerous occasions, I have requested a debate on the duopoly that exists between Vodafone and O2. We pay significantly higher prices than the rest of Europe and the moneys expended by Irish people are going to foreign companies. This is welcome, in that we are an open trading nation. However, it is unfortunate that we do not ask these foreign companies to provide good competition. We should support the regulator and make the regulator aware that this House is in favour of the 3G licence being opened up and that the virtual suppliers, that is the MVNO suppliers, should be granted licences as speedily as possible for the benefit of the consumer, who pays over the odds.