Results 21-40 of 3,337 for speaker:Mark Ward

Committee on Drugs Use: Decriminalisation, Depenalisation, Diversion and Legalisation: Discussion (Resumed) (11 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: I have a question for Dr. Ó Concubhair. We heard Deputy Stanton earlier speaking about unintended consequences that happened in British Columbia with the increase in public drug consumption and the impact that was having on the well-being and wider society. Are there any other unintended consequences that we should be concerned about, both positive and negative, if we were to move to...

Committee on Drugs Use: Decriminalisation, Depenalisation, Diversion and Legalisation: Discussion (Resumed) (11 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: I do not know which of the witnesses can answer this in the brief time left. We look to be moving towards the introduction of body-worn cameras here for gardaí. Would it be a way of limiting stop and search if gardaí had to have a reason for doing it and they would have to prove why they were talking to somebody?

Post-European Council Meeting: Statements (10 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: Before I start, I want to state my absolute condemnation of the Russian military attack on the hospital in Kyiv. Pictures from the scene showed young children on intravenous drips sitting outside the hospital as it was evacuated. It was absolutely horrific and the EU is absolutely right to sanction Russia. However, as I was reading the minutes of the European Council meeting in preparation...

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: Motion [Private Members] (10 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: Domestic abuse remains rife in Irish society. A senior garda revealed last week that a staggering 26,000 reports of domestic abuse have been made to gardaí since the beginning of June. Gardaí receive a call about domestic abuse every ten minutes across the State. I have seen first-hand the incredible work done by Saoirse Women's Refuge in my area. It informed me of the stress a...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Disaster Response (10 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: 19. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the EU have relief funds available to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines following the impact of Hurricane Beryl; what other international aid is available for the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30446/24]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Addiction Treatment Services (10 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: 420. To ask the Minister for Health the cost of reopening of a facility (details supplied); for a breakdown of all costs, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30505/24]

Committee on Drugs Use: Decriminalisation, Depenalisation, Diversion and Legalisation of Drugs: Discussion (Resumed) (9 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: I thank the witnesses. It is extremely helpful to hear this international experience and I thank them for bringing it to us. Deputy Chief Constable Wilson highlighted some of the unintended consequences of decriminalisation in British Columbia. The use of drugs in public spaces such as parks and beaches, and on public transport, had an adverse effect on society and small businesses. I am...

Committee on Drugs Use: Decriminalisation, Depenalisation, Diversion and Legalisation of Drugs: Discussion (Resumed) (9 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: I mentioned already that alcohol is legal but being drunk and disorderly is an offence. Was any consideration given to using simple public order offences to deal with problematic drug use?

Committee on Drugs Use: Decriminalisation, Depenalisation, Diversion and Legalisation of Drugs: Discussion (Resumed) (9 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: I have a question for Mr. Russoniello - I probably pronounced that really wrong. He mentioned the relentless opposition of decriminalisation by police agencies. Prior to the introduction of measure 110, did engagement happen with the police agencies? What changed? Were the engagements prior to 110 positive and productive? What changed then?

Committee on Drugs Use: Decriminalisation, Depenalisation, Diversion and Legalisation of Drugs: Discussion (Resumed) (9 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: Would it be important, at the earliest onset of any talks about decriminalisation, to have the police agency on board and bring them along?

Committee on Drugs Use: Decriminalisation, Depenalisation, Diversion and Legalisation of Drugs: Discussion (Resumed) (9 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: Just to follow Deputy Stanton's question on how it was decided what drugs would be decriminalised for personal use. Deputy Chief Constable Wilson's opening statement mentioned opiates, cocaine, MDMA and methamphetamines but she just mentioned fentanyl there. Given what Mr. Russoniello said about fentanyl being a driver for overdose and I know that in Oregon as well, fentanyl was included...

Committee on Drugs Use: Decriminalisation, Depenalisation, Diversion and Legalisation of Drugs: Discussion (Resumed) (9 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: I was not clear on Ms Wilson's answer. Would she still include fentanyl on the list of drugs she would decriminalise?

Committee on Drugs Use: Decriminalisation, Depenalisation, Diversion and Legalisation of Drugs: Discussion (Resumed) (9 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: Yes. I ask Mr. Russoniello to briefly answer that. I am interested in the Oregon experience.

Committee on Drugs Use: Decriminalisation, Depenalisation, Diversion and Legalisation of Drugs: Discussion (Resumed) (9 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: We are on first name terms now, Kellen. It is easier.

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Pension Provisions (9 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: 489. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if there will be any changes to the pension (non-contributory) received by Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Ireland before March 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29632/24]

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Ukraine War (9 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: 490. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if there will be any changes to the social welfare supports received by Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Ireland before March 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29634/24]

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Social Welfare Payments (9 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: 498. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of members of the Defence Forces who applied for the working family payment; the number who claimed the working family payment, in 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29875/24]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Mental Health Services (9 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: 645. To ask the Minister for Health the number on the waiting list for CAMHS for the month of June 2024, by CHO, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29034/24]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Mental Health Policy (9 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: 646. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the Bill to reform the Mental Health Act 2001; when it will be published; if he expects this to pass through the Houses of the Oireachtas before the dissolution of the current Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29035/24]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Mental Health Policy (9 Jul 2024)

Mark Ward: 647. To ask the Minister for Health if he will report on the Mental Health Commission’s annual report for 2023; if he will report on the 42 reports of sexual assault mentioned in the report; if all of these were escalated to the gardaí; the locations of these reported assaults, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29036/24]