Results 1-20 of 3,930 for speaker:Mark Ward

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: General Scheme of the International Protection Bill 2025: Discussion (14 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: I thank the witnesses for their opening statements. I agree with Mr. Herrick when he spoke about ambiguity, incompleteness and lack of clarity. That seems to be the common theme of the speakers. We do not know what we are signing up for. I believe we need an international protection system that is enforced, effective and not rushed, as is happening today. I have significant concerns...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: General Scheme of the International Protection Bill 2025: Discussion (14 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: Ms O'Keeffe mentioned the 2005 and 2013 Acts and previous Acts. Would the Acts that were there previously not allow us to go through this process without signing up to the EU migration pact?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: General Scheme of the International Protection Bill 2025: Discussion (14 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: I am aware of the decision but I am asking for clarity. The decision was made and signed off on by the Government and was passed in the Houses of the Oireachtas, so it is agreed. We all know that. There have been pacts and legislation previously, though. Would they not allow us to deal with this legislation rather than signing up to the EU migration pact?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: General Scheme of the International Protection Bill 2025: Discussion (14 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: Will Ms O'Keeffe clarify whether the general scheme deals with circumstances in which the State would face penalties from the EU and whether the penalties are outlined in the legislation?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: General Scheme of the International Protection Bill 2025: Discussion (14 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: I am looking for clarification on a couple of more issues. I have huge concerns about the capacity of the current system to deal with the implications of this legislation. Will the officials clarify whether the general scheme deals with what will happen if it is not possible to hire the number of staff required to meet the timeframes for processing applications and appeals? Will they also...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: General Scheme of the International Protection Bill 2025: Discussion (14 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: Turning to the Department, I seek a clear and concise definition of the term "legal counselling" that is used in the Bill we are talking about. I am still trying to work out an exact definition. Has the Department got one?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: General Scheme of the International Protection Bill 2025: Discussion (14 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: I am trying to see the difference between legal advice and legal counselling. Mr. Herrick mentioned that the IHREC had concerns about it. Are there international examples of the term "legal counselling"? I ask because this is the first time that I have heard of "legal counselling" in this Bill.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: General Scheme of the International Protection Bill 2025: Discussion (14 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: But instead of.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: General Scheme of the International Protection Bill 2025: Discussion (14 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: Is there any clarification on who or what agency will provide this legal counselling?

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (9 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: The Government has abandoned whole communities to the drug crisis. Yesterday, it reduced the overall budget for drug and alcohol task forces by a shameful 25%. I am a director of an addiction service in Clondalkin and I know the devastating effect this is going to have. The cut will have a negative and immediate effect on some of the most disadvantaged communities. In the area where I...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (9 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: You let them down.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (9 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: A 25% cut. Come on.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (9 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: The budget is a pittance overall. In Europe-----

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (9 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: The Deputy is standing over a budget that cut €3 million-----

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (9 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: 33. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he is taking to increase the number of community Gardaí; the number of community Gardaí at the start of 2025; the target number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54119/25]

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (9 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: 65. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he is taking to tackle Garda recruitment and retention including Garda numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54118/25]

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (8 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: You have had 100 years.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Housing Provision (8 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: 9. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government for an update on the number of new affordable homes in Dublin for 2025; the proposed number for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53922/25]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Housing Provision (8 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: This question is about so-called affordable housing schemes.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Housing Provision (8 Oct 2025)

Mark Ward: I thank the Minister. One of the problems we have at the minute is that the Government’s social and affordable housing targets are too low. Not only are they too low, but they are simply not being met. The Government has failed in its pre-election promise of 40,000 new homes to be delivered this year, but I want to concentrate on the affordable purchase schemes. Last year, the...