Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Ar an gcéad dul síos, ba mhaith liom fáilte a chuir roimh an Aire go dtí an Teach anocht. Ba mhaith liom na Seanadóirí a chuir an rún seo ar an gclár a mholadh. Baineann an rún seo le ábhar an-tábhachtach, gan amhras. Tá mé sásta go bhfuil seans againn an ábhar seo a phlé sa Seanad.

There is much talk of infrastructure and Senator Ross, when moving the motion, referred to our road networks and investments in that area. Senator O'Toole used the phraseology "information superhighway", which is now not in vogue. It is clear to us, regardless of what terminology we use, that the Internet and computer networks will be an important component of business into the future. Commercial life, public administration and everything that goes with running an economy will become increasingly dependent on the quality of the network we have.

Many of us welcomed the belated investment in the improvements in our road network, the standard of which lagged behind continental Europe and the neighbouring island for many decades. We are beginning to get on a competitive equality level with them. That is essential. It is also essential in this area that we have the best possible service and connectivity to ensure efficiency in business and that companies can function competitively in what is now a global economy.

The motion tabled is perhaps a year or two too late in its overall criticism——