Results 1,381-1,400 of 1,702 for speaker:Barry Ward

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Women's Shelters and Domestic Abuse Refuges: Discussion (3 Nov 2021)

Barry Ward: I thank Ms Bentley for the work she does. She talked about the invisible man. It is an issue that has been highlighted here. Ms Sherlock made a comment on the training of gardaí and the Garda domestic abuse policy. Does she feel there is sufficient training? If a man or woman goes to a Garda station seeking assistance, what are the chances that he or she will meet a garda who is...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Women's Shelters and Domestic Abuse Refuges: Discussion (3 Nov 2021)

Barry Ward: When Ms Sherlock says one in three responses to calls is unhelpful, what does she believe "unhelpful" looks like?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Women's Shelters and Domestic Abuse Refuges: Discussion (3 Nov 2021)

Barry Ward: I thank the witnesses. Many of us have heard the details of the crisis that exists but it is stark to hear from Ms Sherlock about a 43% increase in the number of people seeking help. It is really striking that however bad the Covid experience has been for many of us it has been worse for some of us. I am particularly struck by what Ms Graham said about having to refuse 369 requests. This...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (2 Nov 2021)

Barry Ward: In recent weeks we have heard a lot about spiking - the Leader has made public statements on it - whether it is by needles or putting something into the drinks of people who are out in public socialising and doing their thing, having been allowed to be out in public again after such a long time. I have looked at this issue. Some of the early messaging that came out on it from the HSE and...

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by Members of the European Parliament (2 Nov 2021)

Barry Ward: The recent decision of the Polish constitutional tribunal to essentially upend the rule of law in Europe is creating a flashpoint. What are the next steps, particularly for the European Parliament as opposed to governments or the Commission? I mention the rule of law like-minded group which I understand involves a lot of the Nordic and Scandinavian countries but not Ireland. Should Ireland...

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by Members of the European Parliament (2 Nov 2021)

Barry Ward: I will not take too much time, but it is important to recognise the value of this session. It is a very good idea and is the first time we have seen genuine interaction at this level between our representatives in Europe and Members of the Oireachtas. In this case, all the MEPs are also former Members of the Oireachtas and the fact that two of them previously represented Dún Laoghaire...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (20 Oct 2021)

Barry Ward: I support the calls for a debate on antisocial behaviour, but also on general disorder in public and the lawlessness we have seen. I have raised this issue in the House previously. Much of that antisocial behaviour and, in particular, that lawlessness is directed towards people who are not Irish. That is a particular aspect that we need to address. Yesterday, I had the privilege of...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill 2021: Report and Final Stages (20 Oct 2021)

Barry Ward: We had this discussion on Committee Stage, with regard to Senator Higgins's amendments. I appreciate very clearly the difference between an exemption and a defence, and I understand where the Senator is coming from. In the context of amendment No. 2, which adds in the words "whether for profit or otherwise", I can see the value in that and I do not have a difficulty with that. On the...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill 2021: Report and Final Stages (20 Oct 2021)

Barry Ward: Anois.

Seanad: EU Regulations: Motion (20 Oct 2021)

Barry Ward: I welcome the motion. An entirely common-sense provision is being suggested by the Minister of State. Considering that this measure relates to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, including Article 5, as mentioned by the Minister of State, it is good that these motions are discussed in the Houses of the Oireachtas. Constitutionally, it is appropriate that the relevant...

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2020: Committee Stage (20 Oct 2021)

Barry Ward: I wish to respond to some of the issues Senator Higgins raised. There are two things primarily, the first of which is the suggestion the Minister made in his speech and the case for this amendment. I think, if I have understood what the Minister said in his last response, that the opposite is the case. I do not see how this amendment in any way addresses the fact that these issues might...

Seanad: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2020: Committee Stage (20 Oct 2021)

Barry Ward: Dé Máirt seo chugainn.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (19 Oct 2021)

Barry Ward: I want to mention the platform, Speak Out, that was launched this week by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Harris. Speak Out is an anonymous online platform that allows students and staff to report incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape, bullying, cyberbullying and everything in between. It is to operate across our third...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Departmental Funding (14 Oct 2021)

Barry Ward: I thank the Minister for coming to the House to deal with this issue. He will be aware of the history of sail training in Ireland. For many years, including during my childhood, although I was never a trainee on it, I was often on board the Asgard II,which many people throughout Ireland will fondly recall as a sail training vessel that worked for many years with people from non-sailing...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Departmental Funding (14 Oct 2021)

Barry Ward: I thank the Minister. I am delighted to hear that there is that level of engagement. I really am grateful to the Minister for his commitment to this. It is obviously important that this goes through the right channels and is done in the right way to ensure a sustainable programme over a period of time but I really do hope that no political difficulties prevent this important scheme from...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2021)

Barry Ward: I welcome the decision by Facebook to remove the page of one particular far right activist who has propagated misinformation and conspiracy theories for a long time. That is a welcome move, however, at the same time we recognise that there are many other pages online that are ignored by Facebook, such as pages that spread misinformation and abuse about which nothing is done. A great feature...

Seanad: British Government Legacy Proposals: Motion (13 Oct 2021)

Barry Ward: I thank Senator Currie for the initiative behind this motion and her words. She has an insight into the matter that many of us do not have. Some of us do. All of us have connections with Northern Ireland and Britain. The reality is that, over generations, we have been inextricably linked with those parts of these islands, if I can put it in those terms. My own grandfather was from...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (12 Oct 2021)

Barry Ward: I would like to join with other Members who remarked on the passing of Paddy Moloney, who was a Blackrock resident. He will be missed for his good humour and patience with people as much as for his skill and music. He was a great member of the community and someone who contributed at every level. I was aware he went into hospital last night but I am sorry to hear that he passed away. He...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (7 Oct 2021)

Barry Ward: Today is National Women's Enterprise Day and it is appropriate to acknowledge the many women involved in business throughout the country who do sterling work at both local and national level. I want to acknowledge a number of excellent businesses in my own area run by women that are unparalleled. I could talk about numerous shops, restaurants, accountancy firms and lawyers in the area but I...