Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I am glad to see the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources will undertake a review of investment in broadband. As spokesperson on community and rural affairs, I am pleased to see any measure to improve life for rural dwellers. Despite promises to the contrary, as a country we still lag behind when it comes to broadband access in rural areas. Broadband has long ceased to be a luxury item. It is now an essential part of daily life. Will the Leader request the Minister to come to the Seanad to outline his policy for improving broadband access in rural areas?

A related issue was raised by Senator David Norris who called for a debate on Seanad reform. My party supports this and would welcome such a debate. We disagree with certain aspects of his proposal but we would welcome the chance to debate it. I would like to see noise limitations introduced. It gets loud when sitting between Senators Alex White and David Norris and I would not mind if we introduced legislation to limit it.