James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I second the amendment to the Order of Business. We all detect great discontent among the Government parties on the issue of the sale of the Great Southern Hotels.

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, to come before the House for a debate on the roll-out of broadband to the regions. In its programme for Government in the run-up to the last general election, the Government highlighted the fact that it would be in a position to roll out broadband to the regions by 2006. The lack of progress in this regard is stifling development in rural areas and there is widespread discontent at the lack of interest the Government has shown in rolling out broadband to the regions.

I request an urgent debate on this issue because chambers of commerce, industrialists, farming organisations and many others with an interest in the development of rural areas feel let down by the Government's lack of interest in this area. One need only talk to people who have served on the Midland Regional Authority to sense how badly let down by the Government they feel.

The quality of our regional and county roads was raised. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, to the House to take part in a debate on funding for local authorities. Despite promises made by the Government, the funding position of local authorities continues to deteriorate. Grants for county roads have been reduced in some areas this year and less funding is available for local improvement schemes.