Feargal Quinn (Independent)

After I spoke on the Order of Business on Wednesday last week, I received a text message a few minutes later commenting on the tie I was wearing rather than what I spoke about. What struck me about the message was the fact that it came from Melbourne, Australia. I had not realised that broadband technology was so effective that it allowed someone to watch the Order of Business or other business in the Seanad on the Internet. The reason I mention this anecdote is because I was stunned to discover that Ireland is ranked 19th out of 22 countries with broadband technology according to OECD figures published this week. Discussions took place in this House approximately ten years ago about what happened in Singapore and South Korea when those two countries decided they would become the hub of information technology in Asia. Members stated that Ireland should attempt to do so as well. Today, 5% of Irish homes are now connected to broadband, while the figure is 92% in South Korea. Broadband technology presents opportunities for Irish businesses but somebody in Government needs to ensure that it is made a priority.

I wish to comment on Senator Ryan's comments about road safety and the comments made yesterday by the chairman of the National Safety Council, Eddie Shaw. Approximately five years ago, the President of France put road safety high on his agenda when he took office. French road safety figures have improved dramatically because road safety was made a priority by somebody at the top. We can do the same in Ireland if road safety is placed high on the Taoiseach's agenda.