David Norris (Independent)

——which was then raided by Tony O'Reilly. It was a smash and grab raid and then there was asset stripping and absolutely no investment in broadband. That is where the whole problem originates. If this side of the House wants to condemn the Government and State institutions for their lack of investment and lack of progress, why does it not condemn equally private business for what it did in holding this country back? It is important that the record of this House should show that at least one Member of this House understands that vital point.

I support the Government and would encourage it in every way I can to complete the programme of establishing broadband throughout the country, bearing in mind those two critical factors I mentioned, namely, geographical spread and megabyte speed. Mobile broadband is not going to solve the problem. It may be a makeshift answer for the time being but it is not sufficiently sophisticated or complex to attract international investment into this country, which is what we need.