Shane Ross (Independent)

What it requires is that they do not put cronies on the board but people who have to be passed by a two thirds majority of a joint committee of the Houses. They would not get their pals through. I do not blame them for not liking it. That new type of quango could be a model for other quangos. The Members on the Government benches will hate it because their cronies will not be appointed any more as only people of ability can be appointed. Appointees will have to know about the subject and be scrutinised and approved by a joint committee of the Houses by a two thirds majority. The Government will not be able to ram it through the way it normally does. It will have to appoint people who know what they are talking about. That will make a difference to the Members on the Government side. No wonder they do not like the quango.

In addition, the Minister would have to report to the joint committee every six months. As Senator Walsh acknowledged, that is a very useful exercise. It is important that we should be accountable for that sort of expenditure and responsible for the bodies we have set up, and that they should report from time to time. I make no apology for putting that type of board in place, because somebody has to be in control. Somebody must appoint a chief executive. Somebody must have a hold on a semi-State body such as this.

I almost feel we reversed our positions. The Minister, Deputy Ryan, suggested there is too much State ownership and State interference in my Bill. I make no apology for that. The State has a role — even if the Greens do not think that is the case — in this type of infrastructure because private enterprise will not take on the kind of public service role that is necessary in areas of infrastructure. The State must take on that role and take the lead. It must spend money to ensure that is possible. It must spend money to encourage business and on organisations such as IDA Ireland. There is nothing to be ashamed of in that regard.

In summary, I am disappointed. The Government is hiding the fact it is not prepared to fast-track broadband. That is a very foolish and short-term decision.