A range of indicators can be used to measure the position and rate of progress of a country's international rating in the telecommunications sector. No single measurement gives a comprehensive picture. The Deputy will be aware that Ireland is a leader in certain aspects of telecommunications development and lags in others.
He should also be aware of the fact that the rate of growth in key areas such as broadband penetration is one of the highest in the world. The Irish telecoms sector is highly rated in terms of international capacity and mobile penetration. The broad aim of Government policy is to strengthen the competitiveness of the sector generally. The development of the ICT in education programme is an important initiative in this regard.