Joe O'Toole (Independent)

It is important the House recognises and acknowledges the point raised by Senator Brian Hayes. It is the second issue of its kind in a week. A week ago Ryanair finally conceded that blind people travelling with carers on aeroplanes did not have to make any special arrangements and now the case yesterday has been won.

I also note a matter with which I would ask the Leader to take issue. Yesterday, I wrote to the Minister for Finance on another issue regarding blind people, namely, that such people, obviously by the nature of their disability, are not able to drive does not mean that they cannot own or need cars. There is a need for recognition in the budget and tax laws for blind persons' carers, who may be their drivers. Such carers need to be recognised in a tax efficient manner in order to give a break to blind persons who need cars and who must buy them. They should receive support in this manner. It is not difficult to do and it is easy to police.

Not that many people are involved but the issue is as important as a blind person being able to take his or her guide dog onto a premises. I would ask, in other words, that a blind person who owns a car, which is driven by a carer, would be able to claim back tax in the normal way for people with a disability. Blind people are not included in the relevant driving scheme for people with disabilities because, obviously, years ago somebody thought blind people would never drive. Of course they cannot drive but they have drivers, own cars and require our support in that area.

We need to recognise and congratulate the brave civil servant who stood up to her Minister of State on the issue of the——