Results 2,341-2,360 of 3,635 for speaker:Mark Ward

National Retrofitting Scheme: Statements (17 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: While the plan to retrofit more homes is welcome, we have been in this position previously. The Government, of course, has prioritised the ability to pay over need, which means that those who need it most will get it last or not get it at all. Sinn Féin in government would have grants based on income and people's ability to pay. We would introduce a dedicated scheme for households...

Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces: Statements (16 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: I will read out a statement from the commission's report: There is a patriarchal approach [in the Defence Forces] that takes responsibility for lower ranks to the point of disabling them, and is resistant to females and so creates an uncomfortable place for them to work. This culture is grounded in long outdated social concepts, such as the male being the breadwinner in a family, a...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (16 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: A response I received to a parliamentary question stated that some children who are accessing the child and adolescent mental health service, CAMHS, in south Kerry were also getting supports through Tusla. Some parents have told me that Tusla representatives often sat in on the consultation between the psychiatrist and the child. Parents of children who were mistreated and misdiagnosed feel...

Mobility and Transport Supports for People with Disabilities: Motion [Private Members] (16 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: At the end of the Minister of State's contribution, she mentioned people with multiple sclerosis, MS, who would not be able to access the primary medical certificate because they have some form of mobility. I have MS but am lucky enough to have full mobility. I know people with disabilities facing challenges who are not physically seen. I know some of these as challenges as I have had to...

Mobility and Transport Supports for People with Disabilities: Motion [Private Members] (16 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: If that process is imminent, it is welcome news. All the people with MS may not have mobility issues but they may have other problems and are being excluded from the scheme. Any assistance is welcome in that regard. The Minister of State mentioned the assistance scheme in CHO 7, which is a good scheme but it should be fully resourced. It goes so far but it is not far enough. It is...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (16 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: 123. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to technical difficulties preventing some passport applicants from completing their applications forcing them to submit new applications and incurring the fee for a second time; and the way that these applicants can receive a refund for their first application. [8527/22]

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Community Development Projects (16 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: 195. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of plans to redirect money and assets seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau back into the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8715/22]

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: General Scheme of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2021: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: I thought the Chairman was saving the best until last. I have been sitting here and waiting. I was not expecting to come in. This is complex legislation, as most people have said already. I have a listening brief here but I have a direct yes-or-no question for Ms Áine Flynn from the DSS. We have heard calls for a register for advanced healthcare directives. Would the DSS want such...

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: General Scheme of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2021: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: We heard at the meeting yesterday and in this meeting some contradictory information. Mr. Farrelly, for example, talked about extensive engagement with the diverse stakeholders during the process. Ms Flynn mentioned there was no public process organised by the Department to engage with disabled people's organisations. A couple of representatives of the National Platform for Disability...

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: General Scheme of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2021: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: My question was around the easy-to-read information. Are there any disabled people on the board of DSS as part of this process?

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: General Scheme of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2021: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: I thank Ms Flynn. My next question is for the representatives of the Department. The issue of restraints came up at yesterday's committee meeting. I listened to some of the language that was used during that meeting and found it was not very helpful. I was contacted today by a number of organisations, including Disabled Women Ireland. That organisation found the language being used last...

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: General Scheme of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2021: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: Is Ms Baxter advocating for a total prohibition on restraints?

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: General Scheme of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2021: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: The codes exclude references to mental health. Will they have to be redone to include mental health? Will the Department extend the provisions to people detained involuntarily under the Mental Health Act? It is the same for 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds. I listened to a speaker earlier refer to the decision-making autonomy of 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds. For physical healthcare...

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: General Scheme of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2021: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: I agree. Mr. Farrelly should never apologise for using simplistic language. Much of the comment last night was about some of the language within the legislation.

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: General Scheme of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2021: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: I thank Dr. Elliott.

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: General Scheme of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2021: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: I am not sure if I got an answer to one of the questions I asked Ms Flynn of the DSS earlier relating to the consultation process and disabled persons' organisations feeling left out of the process. I believe she mentioned that it was not under her remit. If not, who was responsible for that? Was it the Department? If it was the Department, can Ms Baxter answer the question? Does she...

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: General Scheme of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2021: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: I thank Ms Baxter.

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: General Scheme of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2021: Discussion (Resumed) (16 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: My final question is directed to Mr. Farrelly. He mentioned that he feels the Mental Health Commission is a more compatible home for the DSS than the courts system. Were any concerns raised with him about keeping the service within the courts system? If so, who raised it and what was the outcome of that?

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: The Taoiseach should give himself a rise.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Strategies (15 Feb 2022)

Mark Ward: 163. To ask the Minister for Health his views on calls by the Minister for State in his Department for the reappointment of the national director for mental health; the reason the reappointment has not occurred to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6701/22]