The Government is considering the introduction of a new computer system in Leinster House which would see the Oireachtas become the first parliament in Europe to adopt the latest Internet technology.
Plans under discussion between the Office of Public Works and the Houses of the Oireachtas would see Leinster House become an Internet "hotspot", allowing TDs and senators to connect portable computers to the worldwide web without having to plug in a cable.
Such technology amounts to the computing equivalent of the wireless radio and the mobile phone, crucial tools these days without which no self-respecting parliamentarian can function.
Thus the move could amount to a small technological step forward for statesmen and stateswomen - and one not yet taken elsewhere in Europe. Long a hothouse of argument and intrigue, this raises the prospect of Leinster House becoming a hotbed of Internet devotees.
It is assumed, of course, that the political animal and the Net-head can be friends. Certain politicians are among the most furtive e-mailers around, so they will probably be up to the task.
But whether TDs and senators choose to become early adapters will be up to the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Ahern, who is assessing the plan.
The indications at this stage are that Mr Ahern is all in favour of the proposal, which is of course in line with the Government's objective of placing Ireland at the vanguard of the IT revolution.
To proceed, the introduction of the technology would have to be sanctioned by the Oireachtas Committee of Procedure and Privileges. There is also the question of cost, which could not last night be determined.
