Alan Kelly (Labour)

For a number of reasons, I call for a debate on the future of the technology sector. The House will discuss later today broadband and small and medium enterprises, but the future of our economy in many areas is based primarily on the future of technology and this issue is not being taken seriously enough.

While I have many concerns, most of which I will not refer to here, a specific concern is the role of Enterprise Ireland, the reports of which, while often worthy, leave gaping holes. I am also concerned by reports that the so-called Silicon Paddies who have gone to Silicon Valley seeking investment in their enterprises have stated this week they received no worthwhile help from Enterprise Ireland and asked for it to desist from helping them. This is a serious concern. I ask the Leader to discover why these people felt they did not need the help of Enterprise Ireland. SMEs in Ireland are discovering they cannot get investment and cannot access tax breaks. An opportunity was missed in the budget in this regard.

The people have the education and skills to put them at a level whereby they can bring forward technology and technology companies but, unfortunately, we do not have second generation networks for broadband or the required investment. That is the concern.