Results 1,581-1,600 of 4,787 for speaker:Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Leaving Certificate Reform: Discussion (Resumed) (7 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: I thank the witnesses for their engagement. I found it very interesting.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Misuse of Drugs (3 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: 96. To ask the Minister for Health the position of his Department on the decriminalisation of drug users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51980/21]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Misuse of Drugs (3 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: I tried to put this question concerning the decriminalisation of drug users to the Minister for Justice, but it was redirected to the Department of Health, which I am sure will be of interest to those who have criminal convictions for possession of controlled substances for personal use. I will be interested to know the Department of Health's view of the potential for the decriminalisation...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Misuse of Drugs (3 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: There are several issues with the response from the Minister of State. The use of language in this debate is extremely important. I referred to the decriminalisation of the "drug user", while the response from the Minister of State refers to the "decriminalisation of drugs" and continues with a reference to the legalisation of drugs. Decriminalisation and legalisation are completely...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Misuse of Drugs (3 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: -----must be much more compassionate than misinformed answers on the floor of this House.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Misuse of Drugs (3 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: I am sorry. The Minister of State's proposal is that people will get a criminal sanction if they are caught a third time. What is the difference? If someone is acutely and profoundly addicted to something, surely the hundredth time that he or she has an intervention because of that addiction should have the same response as the third time. What is utterly heartbreaking about this is that...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Misuse of Drugs (3 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: We have the fourth highest overdose rate in Europe. The Minister of State should please understand the difference between decriminalisation of drugs and decriminalisation of the drug user.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Misuse of Drugs (3 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: They are completely different things, and the Minister of State needs to understand that.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Misuse of Drugs (3 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: I want respect for those dying as a result of this issue. I also want a citizens' assembly on drugs.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Misuse of Drugs (3 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: Is that the response? This over and back and "Why did you not do it"?

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Misuse of Drugs (3 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: Where is the citizens' assembly? It is in the programme for Government. Is that the Minister's response?

Workplace Ventilation (Covid-19) Bill 2021: Second Stage [Private Members] (1 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: I am beginning to think that the new phrase in political circles, which is not opposing the Bill, feels a bit like you can go and talk to the cat because it has pretty much the same effect. The frustration we have on the Opposition benches is we have spent the past 18 months trying to bring forward practical solutions to benefit workers and people in society and to fill the gaps and fault...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Covid-19 Pandemic (1 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: The Minister cannot stand here and tell us it is a public health measure and that is just the way it goes. She has said a practical approach is expected over the next day or two. What kind of leadership is that? What kind of certainty is that? What legal basis is there for this? What happens if somebody comes to the school gate and refuses for their child to wear a mask. What does the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Covid-19 Pandemic (1 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: You did not say that last week.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Covid-19 Pandemic (1 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: And leadership.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Covid-19 Pandemic (1 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: Do not give us that line. We have all worked in schools.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Covid-19 Pandemic (1 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: The word "requirement" was used. That is not flexibility.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Covid-19 Pandemic (1 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: For the love of God. If I hear that accusation one more time-----

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Covid-19 Pandemic (1 Dec 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: It is fair to say that school communities around Ireland are this morning grappling with another chaotic management of messaging and leadership from the Department of Education. The Minister, Deputy Foley, and I are in absolute agreement that it is incredibly important that schools remain open. It is profoundly damaging for children when schools are closed. We know that when they were...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: EU Directives (30 Nov 2021)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: 177. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the nature of the European Commission's letter of formal notice of 24 January 2020 concerning European Union Council Directive 2017/159 (details supplied); the current status of this infringement procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58358/21]