Alan Kelly (Labour)

I join with Senators O'Toole, Twomey and MacSharry in seeking regular debates on the economy. This is something we must monitor at all times, especially given the possible growth rate of 1% to 1.5% this year. The Taoiseach said yesterday that the country needed a 4% growth rate in order to allow continued investment in the national development programme. This is where politics comes into play. We all have different philosophies, so our preferred prioritisation of the NDP and the areas in which we would like to see progress differ. The priorities of my party differ from those of the other parties.

While competitiveness has been referred to by the Government, I would welcome more detail. I would like the Minister, Deputy Ryan, to prioritise and plan for broadband. National development plan or no, broadband is the number one infrastructural issue. Countries that are less wealthy than Ireland and as far afield as eastern Europe and Asia have been innovative. Will the Leader arrange regular debates on financing so that the House can determine the Government's priorities from an NDP point of view? Investment in education must be maintained in our changing economy.

With the recent change in Ministers of State, it would be a good idea to invite to the House the new Minster of State at the Department of Education and Science with responsibility for science and technology so that he could express his opinions. Given that almost 40% of exports are high value and knowledge oriented, I would welcome the opportunity to learn what new ideas the Minister of State has in that regard so that the House could contribute to the debate. There is a divine trinity in terms of progress, but serious problems are being experienced in two of its elements, namely, the provision of infrastructure, which is linked holistically with broadband, and investment techniques to support start-up and medium-sized businesses, which are not getting bang for their buck from the Government.