Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Not every business in the Republic has broadband but we can do something about it. The onus of responsibility is on the Government, just as over a century ago the Government of the day declared it was important for every village to have running water. Water was not provided directly to people's homes originally but fresh water was provided through a village pump. The fresh water of the future economy will be the availability and accessibility of broadband on a worldwide network. It should not be provided in a pennyfarthing manner, as my son put it, but like a speeding car. We can do that here but it will take action.

We must do something about the situation, but what? In my view, the time has come for drastic measures. The Government should force Eircom to provide basic broadband access to every household in the country at no cost to individual householders. The Government should be prepared to pick up the tab for whatever that costs, although safeguards would have to be put in place to ensure the rapacious Eircom did not profit unduly from such an initiative. We have plenty of examples where that was done in the past. By adopting such a policy, the Government could ensure that within a short period, say two years, Ireland could go practically from the bottom of the broadband league to the top couple of percent. Only from the latter position can we realistically hope to pursue a leadership stance in the knowledge society.

This situation needs bold and courageous leadership. I wonder if we will get it from this Government or the next one. I know we will get it eventually because we cannot possibly stay as far behind as we are. The analogy of providing water supplies in the past is not dissimilar. If someone two centuries ago had said that water was nice to have rather than being essential, it would not have been understood now. That is what we are in danger of saying if we do not take action and do something about broadband.

I am delighted that Senator Ross tabled this motion for debate because I hope it will bring forth some understanding of the degree of urgency that is required. I do not know if that food for thought will provide action. Let us make sure the Government is not just listening but will do something about it.