Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

Today is world vision day, which is observed to highlight ophthalmic health and the challenges facing the blind and visually impaired community. Unfortunately, 100 blind and visually impaired people are about to hold a protest outside Leinster House to urge the Government to establish a working group that would implement the recommendations in the World Health Organisation report commissioned in 2001 or 2002. Given that our population is aging, blindness and ophthalmic health will become a major issue. It would be prudent for the Government to consider establishing a working group comprising officials and experts from the field. I ask the Leader to bring this issue to the attention of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health as a priority.

Given that it is world vision day, I will end on a positive note by describing my experience in the Houses of the Oireachtas. For the first time ever a Member has been able to access legislation electronically on an ipad. I commend the Leader, the Cathaoirleach, the bills office and the ICT unit on the work they have done to ensure I have equal access to legislation and other information. On world vision day I have access to the Order Paper electronically for the first time ever in an Irish Parliament. That is a good day for the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Oireachtas is often criticised but it can be proud of this initiative. I look forward to robust debates which can be accessed electronically.