Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, welcome the Slovenian ambassador. I wish him every success and enjoyment on Slovenia's national day. I commend him on deciding to march in Dublin Pride. That is wonderful.

At 5 a.m. this morning, I dipped at dawn at Lahinch beach. I did so in solidarity with people who suffer sight loss. Many Senators will be aware that today is the longest and brightest day of the year. It is the summer solstice; a day of positivity, energy and hope. It is a day of encouragement but also of ambition.

Unfortunately, 18 people will today begin experiencing deteriorating vision. Of them, 80% are losing their sight unnecessarily because they are not being properly screened and are not being engaged with or getting interventions in a timely manner. I would like the House to have a debate, perhaps in autumn at this stage, on eye care, the waiting list situation and investment in eye care. There is no doubt that we have some of the best and most successful ophthalmologists in the world operating in this country but, sadly, the public waiting lists are much too long, which is totally unacceptable. We have the expertise but not everybody has access to it. What I did this morning was a swim for hope, to give people solace and let them know there is a bright future. A diagnosis of sight loss can be devastating. For some people, it can be very impactful and result in full loss of sight but there is a bright future. Never before has there been so much assistive technology or so many educational and employment opportunities. My message to people who have received a recent diagnosis of sight loss is to reach out. The supports and services are there and it can be made to happen. I think of a lady from County Sligo whom I met at Heuston Station three weeks ago. Her child had a tumour and, sadly, will not be able to see for the rest of their life. That woman approached me and we had a discussion. I think of older people who have cataracts and are awaiting treatment. They are upset and frustrated because they can no longer do simple things like driving a car or reading a newspaper. My message to all those people is that in spite of the challenges and difficulties, there is hope. On the longest day of the year, I end on a note of hope and positivity.