Joe O'Toole (Independent)

It is not ten years since the House discussed the future of Telecom Éireann in a debate which revolved around issues such as privatisation, nationalisation and state ownership. We should look back and learn from that debate. I recall Senators using arguments about having to wait for months to get a landline and the need for investment to ensure broadband was available throughout the country, as reasons to sell off Telecom Éireann. What was the result of the privatisation of the company? It created a couple of dozen more millionaires and allowed Eircom to be used as a vessel and plaything for asset strippers. We have now returned to the position of having to wait months for a landline and 80% of the country does not have access to broadband. A debate on this issue is needed.

Senator Brian Hayes raised an important point in this regard. We must forget the old ideas of nationalisation, privatisation and state ownership and instead examine whether we need to hold, let go of or use differently the assets still in State hands and determine whether our priority is nationalisation, privatisation or competition. I believe it is the third of these considerations. Senators should state honestly whether they believe that those who will buy Aer Lingus will do so with a view to investing in Ireland's airports and services for its citizens. I do not want to hear their views on whether the State should own assets or long philosophical discourses on privatisation and nationalisation. Senators, without resorting to jargon, should state what they envisage will happen if we choose to privatise Aer Lingus.

The Prime Minister of Australia will address a joint sitting of the Houses today. His presence offers Members a useful opportunity to express in a parliamentary fashion our views on the war in Iraq and Australia's involvement in it.