Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

There has been much discussion about the economy and how it is going into recession. When we face difficult times, we need to invest in our infrastructure. I have called for numerous debates and numerous Senators have called for a debate on what is happening in respect of the national development plan, particularly the areas which have not seen the benefit of the Celtic tiger over the past ten years.

I ask the Leader for a debate on broadband. A survey on communications by the European Commission showed that, again, Ireland lags well behind with the highest costs and lowest speeds. We are the only country in Europe where more people used narrowband or dial-up than broadband. This is a serious issue if we wish to be a knowledge-based economy and want to get out of the recession.