Shane Ross (Independent)

I am just finished. I was encouraged by one statement made by the Minister of State, when he said he was looking at the possibilities of introducing broadband in outlying areas. That is encouraging. We should take it much further and make it an imperative rather than just a matter of discussion. Every household and small business should have broadband available to it. We must look upon it as a utility just as we look upon water, electricity and telephones. We will catch up when broadband becomes a vital and essential part of our infrastructure.