Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will pass on the Senator's very passionate views on the issue. I agree with him that as public representatives it is our duty to raise these issues to keep the focus on them and to keep the pressure on the system to deliver. That is our core function as politicians. We cannot carry out the operations but we can keep the focus on this issue and hold the HSE accountable in this regard.

I welcome the Senator's commitment to raise this issue monthly and I will be more than happy to come to this House every month to respond to him on the issue. The removal of cataracts is a small procedure. I understand that it is this area rather than the wider ophthalmology services that is of particular concern to the Senator. People who have cataracts, particularly elderly people, are often unable to drive or move safely around their homes and this has a huge impact on their quality of life. This is an area on which the focus must be increased to ensure greater delivery. I will support the Senator in his continued efforts to keep the focus on the issue and to ensure it remains a priority within the HSE.