Broadband:General election candidate Cllr Frank Chambers said that there were still large pockets of the State without access to broadband technology.
"I am asking that the Government introduce and roll out a national broadband investment commitment to the country," the Mayo candidate said.
"Broadband is the only way forward for personal and business purposes . . . I am asking that this Government give a firm commitment to provide State investment to ensure every house has access to broadband."
Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey said that over two years ago there were 60,000 broadband subscribers when the Government set a target of 400,000.
"At the end of 2006, we had 510,000 subscribers. I have now set a target of 700,000 subscribers by the end of this year. That is real progress," he said.
Cllr Lisa McDonald (Wexford) said that the economy was recognised as one of the strongest in Europe and, indeed, the world.
"If we are to maintain that position, broadband access . . . will play a vital role. Fianna Fáil, in government, is committed to making Ireland a broadband nation," she said.
Senator Cyprian Brady moved a Dublin Central motion - which was passed - applauding the move to set a target of one-third of all electricity generated by 2020 to come from renewable energy sources.
