Minister’s excuses for failures in Eating Disorder services are unacceptable – Mark Ward TD Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has called for greater investment into eating disorder services. Information received by Deputy Ward stated that between 2018 and 2022, 718 adults presented to the HSE with a primary diagnosis of anContinue reading “Minister’s excuses for failures in Eating Disorder services are unacceptable – Mark Ward TD”
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LGBTQI+ Community experiencing decline in overall mental health – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin spokesperson for mental health, Mark Ward TD, has called for more action in mental health services to assist members of the LGBTQI+ community. Deputy Ward was speaking following the publishing of research by Trinity College Dublin, “Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland” which highlighted the declining mental health of the LGBTQI+ community. Teachta Ward said:Continue reading “LGBTQI+ Community experiencing decline in overall mental health – Mark Ward TD”
“Kennelsfort road bus shelters are badly needed” – Daniel Loftus Rep. and Niamh Fennel Rep.
Sinn Fein representatives state delays to the active travel scheme are delaying the installation of multiple bus shelters along the Kennelsfort road. Sinn Féin local election candidate for Palmerstown, Daniel Loftus said: “After representations from Niamh Fennell, Mark Ward TD, and myself the NTA have reported that they have carried out a review of theContinue reading ““Kennelsfort road bus shelters are badly needed” – Daniel Loftus Rep. and Niamh Fennel Rep.”
Almost 9,000 Tallaght Hospital cancellations in 2023 – Mark Ward TD
Almost 9,000 Tallaght Hospital cancellations in 2023 – Mark Ward TD Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West, Mark Ward has revealed that hospital cancellations in Tallaght University Hospital reached 8,673 in 2023. Deputy Ward said that the Government’s lack of a plan for overcrowding was impacting directly on waiting lists through cancellations. He said thatContinue reading “Almost 9,000 Tallaght Hospital cancellations in 2023 – Mark Ward TD”
Post code lottery for psychology services for 18,000 children is unacceptable – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has highlighted the unacceptable post code care that is present in psychology services across the state. Deputy Ward was speaking after raising this week the growing waiting lists in psychology services under this Government. 18,368 children are waiting on primary care psychology services as of FebruaryContinue reading “Post code lottery for psychology services for 18,000 children is unacceptable – Mark Ward TD”
Psychology waiting lists have doubled under this Government – Mark Ward TD
Psychology waiting lists have doubled under this Government – Mark Ward TD Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has said Government have failed children following the release of waiting list figures for primary care psychology which has doubled under this Government. 21,132 people are waiting on primary care psychology services as ofContinue reading “Psychology waiting lists have doubled under this Government – Mark Ward TD”
Funding must be allocated for Eating Disorder Services – Mark Ward TD
Funding must be allocated for Eating Disorder Services. Mark Ward TD Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has called on the Minister for Health to invest additional funding into eating disorder services for 2024. Deputy Ward was speaking after receiving a parliamentary question response from the HSE which highlighted the need forContinue reading “Funding must be allocated for Eating Disorder Services – Mark Ward TD”
Sinn Féin welcome upgrade of Quarryvale park – Sinn Féin Rep. Daniel Loftus
South Dublin County Council have confirmed that the €1.785 million upgrade works allocated for Quarryvale Park will begin in May 2024 and last for six months. Sinn Féin local election candidate for Quarryvale, Daniel Loftus said: “South Dublin County Council have confirmed at the April council meeting that the upgrade works in Quarryvale park willContinue reading “Sinn Féin welcome upgrade of Quarryvale park – Sinn Féin Rep. Daniel Loftus”
Dual Diagnosis service to remain closed despite Government promises. Mark Ward
Dual Diagnosis service to remain closed despite Government promises. Mark Ward TD Sinn Fein spokesperson for Mental Health, Mark Ward TD criticised the Government for not funding the reopening of a public Dual Diagnosis service. Keltoi a trauma-informed, state-run residential facility treating addiction and mental health dual diagnosis was closed in March 2020. In aContinue reading “Dual Diagnosis service to remain closed despite Government promises. Mark Ward”
Draft transport strategy doomed to fail without significant improvement in public transport investment – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West, Mark Ward, has reacted to the announcement of a draft transport strategy which was signed off by Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan and the wider cabinet yesterday. The strategy includes measures to phase out the diesel rebate scheme and the introduction of congestion charges for those using roads acrossContinue reading “Draft transport strategy doomed to fail without significant improvement in public transport investment – Mark Ward TD”
Clondalkin LAP
Cllr William Carey (SF) has called on all interested parties, including residents groups and local business owners to engage with the Clondalkin Local Area Plan consultation process. SDCC are currently conducting a consultation process aimed at gauging public opinion for a comprehensive plan for Clondalkin village and the surrounds. On March 7th and 13th SDCCContinue reading “Clondalkin LAP”
Minister must publish legal advice on regulation of CAMHS – Mark Ward TD
Minister must publish legal advice on regulation of CAMHS – Mark Ward TD Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has said Minister Butler must publish legal advice on regulation of CAMHS Deputy Ward was speaking after receiving a parliamentary question response from Minister Mary Butler in which she said she had receivedContinue reading “Minister must publish legal advice on regulation of CAMHS – Mark Ward TD”
Funding Shortfall Leads to Mental Health Redundancies at Jigsaw – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin spokesperson on mental health, Mark Ward TD, has called on the Government to reexamine its decision to reduce funding for Jigsaw. Deputy Ward was contacted directly with reports that Jigsaw has received almost €1 million less this year from the HSE which has already led to redundancies at the youth mental health organisation.Continue reading “Funding Shortfall Leads to Mental Health Redundancies at Jigsaw – Mark Ward TD”
Dublin Mid-West secondary school enrolment crisis set to continue due to government’s lack of planning – Eoin Ó Broin TD and Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin TDs Eoin Ó Broin and Mark Ward have called on government to address the delays in school capital projects in Dublin Mid-West immediately. An unpublished school capacity survey found that three out of four parents are unable to secure spots at oversubscribed secondary schools. Teachta Ó Broin said: “Shortages of school places inContinue reading “Dublin Mid-West secondary school enrolment crisis set to continue due to government’s lack of planning – Eoin Ó Broin TD and Mark Ward TD”
Government must listen to people with disabilities in Dublin Mid-West and bin the Green Paper – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward has said that the government must listen to people with disabilities in Dublin mid-West and bin the Green Paper on disability payment reforms. Deputy Ward added that the consultation process demonstrated the government’s lack of respect, and that the voices of people with disabilities must be heard. Teachta Ward said:Continue reading “Government must listen to people with disabilities in Dublin Mid-West and bin the Green Paper – Mark Ward TD”
No urgency to fund Early Intervention Psychosis
No urgency to fund Early Intervention Psychosis Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health Mark Ward TD has called the Government’s failure to resources Early Intervention Psychosis (EIP) a blatant disregard of their duty of care to those experiencing mental health difficulties. The National Clinical Programme for Early Intervention in Psychosis has not received additional fundingContinue reading “No urgency to fund Early Intervention Psychosis”
Government must end ‘scandalous’ delay to legislation banning state investment in illegal Israeli settlements – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West, Mark Ward, has demanded that government allow the progression of Sinn Féin legislation banning the state from investing in companies that profit from illegal Israeli settlements. The Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill 2023 was introduced by Sinn Féin TD John Brady. On Friday, government instructed the Business Committee toContinue reading “Government must end ‘scandalous’ delay to legislation banning state investment in illegal Israeli settlements – Mark Ward TD”
Government fail adults with ADHD – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has criticised the Government’s failure in ADHD care for adults. Deputy Ward was speaking following a parliamentary question response which highlighted the lack of additional funding allocated to the National Clinical Programme for ADHD in Adults. Additional funding was sought in 2023 and 2024 but thisContinue reading “Government fail adults with ADHD – Mark Ward TD”
3 year delay of vital eating disorder services is unacceptable – Mark Ward TD
3 year delay of vital eating disorder services is unacceptable – Mark Ward TD Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health Mark Ward TD has said that the further delays in the long-awaited eating disorder service in Mount Carmel Hospital are unacceptable. The facility was due to open in late 2021 before being initially delayed untilContinue reading “3 year delay of vital eating disorder services is unacceptable – Mark Ward TD”
ADHD care not a priority for this Government – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has highlighted the Government lack of priority for ADHD care. Deputy Ward was speaking following the revelation that ADHD Ireland’s Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme (UMAAP) has not received funding for 2024. UMAAP plays a crucial role in providing support and guidance to adults acrossContinue reading “ADHD care not a priority for this Government – Mark Ward TD”
Government Must Not Kick Improvements in Children’s Mental Health Down the Road
Sinn Féin Spokesperson for mental health, Mark Ward TD, has said that it is not too late to deliver quality care in child and youth mental health services. Deputy Ward was speaking after leaders’ questions where Paschal Donohue said that Government will kick legislation, that would regulate CAMHS, down the road. Teachta Ward said: “SinnContinue reading “Government Must Not Kick Improvements in Children’s Mental Health Down the Road”
Call for dangerous junction to addressed
Cllr William Carey (SF) has called for TII and SDCC to form a working group to address the existing dangers at the junction of Naas Rd and Boot Road, Clondalkin. At Wednesday’s local area committee meeting for Clondalkin,Newcastle,Rathcoole Saggart & Brittas Cllr Carey again raised the issue through a motion calling for action. According toContinue reading “Call for dangerous junction to addressed”
Dual Diagnosis: No Wrong Door Bill passes second stage – Mark Ward TD
Dual Diagnosis: No Wrong Door Bill passes second stage – Mark Ward TD Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has said his legislation can plug gaps between mental health and addiction services. Deputy Ward was speaking following his legislation the Dual Diagnosis: No Wrong Door Bill 2021, passed Second Stage in theContinue reading “Dual Diagnosis: No Wrong Door Bill passes second stage – Mark Ward TD”
Children’s Mental Health services fail again. Mark Ward TD
Children’s Mental Health services fail again. Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has echoed calls by the Children’s Rights Alliance, that Government is failing in child and youth mental health. Deputy Ward was speaking following the publishing of the Children’s Rights Alliance annual report card where the Government received an E gradeContinue reading “Children’s Mental Health services fail again. Mark Ward TD”
Clondalkin Community Mental Health Service at Crisis point
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has called the vacancies in Clondalkin Community Mental Health Services a crisis. Deputy Ward was speaking following receiving a parliamentary response which highlighted that there are 17 vacancies in Clondalkin Mental Health Service. Teachta Ward said: “Our community mental health teams are unacceptably understaffed. This isContinue reading “Clondalkin Community Mental Health Service at Crisis point”
Garda Reserve recruitment welcome but government must implement full Sinn Féin community safety proposals – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Justice that a Garda Reserve recruitment campaign will commence soon. This was a key proposal by Sinn Féin. However, he warned that this must only be a first step and that government must act on other measures Sinn Féin has called for asContinue reading “Garda Reserve recruitment welcome but government must implement full Sinn Féin community safety proposals – Mark Ward TD”
26% spike in Tallaght University Hospital Cancellations in just 9 months – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health Mark Ward TD has expressed concern at a spike in hospital appointment cancellations at Tallaght University Hospital in the first 9 months of 2023. There was over 6,500 cancellations in the first 3 quarters of 2023 compared to 5,200 in the same period in 2022, meaning 1,300 more cancellations.Continue reading “26% spike in Tallaght University Hospital Cancellations in just 9 months – Mark Ward TD”
Decisive action required to scrap TV licence and deliver sustainable public sector broadcasting and an independent media sector – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward has called on Government TDs in Dublin Mid-West to support his party’s proposals to scrap the TV licence and fund RTÉ and other public service media through direct Exchequer funding. Deputy Mark Ward was speaking as Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould and party Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty published a policy document Delivering sustainable publicContinue reading “Decisive action required to scrap TV licence and deliver sustainable public sector broadcasting and an independent media sector – Mark Ward TD”
Access to mental health and addiction supports in Irish Prisons are vital. Mark Ward TD
Access to mental health and addiction supports in Irish Prisons are vital. Mark Ward TD Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health Mark Ward TD today called on the Minister for Justice to improve access to mental health and addiction supports in the Irish Prison Services following information he received from the Department of Justice. As of JanuaryContinue reading “Access to mental health and addiction supports in Irish Prisons are vital. Mark Ward TD”
Government has abandoned patients and workers in Dublin Mid-West to Emergency Department chaos – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West Mark Ward has expressed serious concern that Tallaght Hospital is not equipped to deliver safe and timely care. He said that the opportunity to build up bed capacity to tackle overcrowding had been squandered over the last four years by government. The comments follow remarks made by Prof ConorContinue reading “Government has abandoned patients and workers in Dublin Mid-West to Emergency Department chaos – Mark Ward TD”
Emer Higgins TD must support Sinn Féin motion to stop vulture funds snapping up homes under the feet of families – Mark Ward TD
Emer Higgins TD must support Sinn Féin motion to stop vulture funds snapping up homes under the feet of families – Mark Ward TD Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward has said that Emer Higgins TD must stand up for the people of Dublin Mid-West and vote in favour of Sinn Féin’s motion to stop vulture funds fromContinue reading “Emer Higgins TD must support Sinn Féin motion to stop vulture funds snapping up homes under the feet of families – Mark Ward TD”
End of Gardaí surge funding in Dublin ‘outrageous’ – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West, Mark Ward, has criticised the government’s decision to end surge policing funding in Dublin as ‘outrageous’. The €10 million temporary funding unveiled by Minister Helen McEntee last year has now been spent and not renewed. Speaking today, Teachta Ward said: “It has been clear for some time now that many of thoseContinue reading “End of Gardaí surge funding in Dublin ‘outrageous’ – Mark Ward TD”
Mental Health Reform is not a Government Priority – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has expressed his disappointment with the Government in not prioritising the legislation to reform the Mental Health Act 2001 in the Spring Session. Deputy Ward was speaking following the publishing of the Government Legislation Programme for the Spring Session 2024. The reform of the Mental HealthContinue reading “Mental Health Reform is not a Government Priority – Mark Ward TD”
Energy prices remain far too high for Dublin Mid-West energy customers – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West, Mark Ward has said energy prices are still far too high and must be cut to affordable levels. Commenting on news that Bord Gáis Energy will cut gas and electricity prices from February 29th, Teachta Ward said: “Energy companies have announced price cuts recently but they do not goContinue reading “Energy prices remain far too high for Dublin Mid-West energy customers – Mark Ward TD”
Sinn Féin support families calls for urgent reform of CAMHS – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has supported the Families for Reform of CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) call for the urgent implementation of the Mental Health Commission’s 49 recommendations and for the end to discrimination of children with intellectual disabilities in mental health services. Deputy Ward was speaking followingContinue reading “Sinn Féin support families calls for urgent reform of CAMHS – Mark Ward TD”
Patient IT system welcome but further rollout needed – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has welcomed the introduction of IT system at the National Forensic Mental Health Service. Deputy Ward was speaking following the launch of the system, TrakCare, in the National Forensic Mental Health Service earlier this week and called for a further rollout across other mental health services.Continue reading “Patient IT system welcome but further rollout needed – Mark Ward TD”
Children’s Ombudsman calls for Improvement in Children’s Mental Health – Mark Ward TD
Children’s Ombudsman calls for Improvement in Childrens Mental health – Mark Ward TD Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has echoed the calls made by the Children’s Ombudsman, Dr Niall Muldoon, to improve CAMH services. Deputy Ward was speaking following Dr Muldoon’s presentation to Oireachtas staff at Leinster House. Teachta Ward said:Continue reading “Children’s Ombudsman calls for Improvement in Children’s Mental Health – Mark Ward TD”
Renewed calls for National Traveller Mental Health Action Plan – Mark Ward TD
Renewed calls for National Traveller Mental Health Action Plan – Mark Ward TD Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health Mark Ward TD has called on the government to implement a National Action Plan for Traveller Mental Health. Speaking after RTÉ’s documentary “Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost’ that aired last night. Teachta Ward said: “Last nightContinue reading “Renewed calls for National Traveller Mental Health Action Plan – Mark Ward TD”
Basic Club Facilities At Risk Of Removal
A Dublin Mid-West Sinn Féin councillor has expressed concern at the Council’s disapproval and indication to remove some basic essential facilities being provided at a busy playing field in Lucan. Councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh is calling on South Dublin County Council officials to permit a storage container and portaloo provided by, and at the expenseContinue reading “Basic Club Facilities At Risk Of Removal”
Sinn Féin to introduce legislation today to regulate CAMHS . Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health, Mark Ward TD will toady introduce legislation to regulate the Childrens and Adolescents Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Deputy Ward was speaking ahead of his legislation being introduced today at first stage in the Dáil. The legislation would give statutory powers under the Mental Health Act, to the Mental HealthContinue reading “Sinn Féin to introduce legislation today to regulate CAMHS . Mark Ward TD”
504 Suicide Deaths in 2020, Services need to be funded – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has called for increased supports for suicide prevention as yearly figures remain high. Deputy Ward was speaking following the release of 2020 suicide figures by the Central Statistic Office (CSO) earlier this week. Teachta Ward said: “This week the CSO released figures on the amount ofContinue reading “504 Suicide Deaths in 2020, Services need to be funded – Mark Ward TD”
Government fail to prioritise Mental Health in Budget 24 . Mark Ward TD
Government fail to prioritise Mental Health in Budget 24 . Mark Ward TD Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health Mark Ward TD has accused the Government of not prioritising mental health spending for the sixth year in a row, after figures were released to the Deputy by the HSE. The Dublin Mid-West TD said thatContinue reading “Government fail to prioritise Mental Health in Budget 24 . Mark Ward TD”
Vital addiction support service must remain open. Mark Ward TD
Vital addiction support service must remain open. Mark Ward TD Sinn Fein TD for Dublin Mid-West, Mark Ward has called on the HSE not to close Neart Le Chéile in Neilstown after staff were put on protective notice. Teachta Ward said: “Neart Le Chéile is a community-based organisation which provides two services. Cumas which worksContinue reading “Vital addiction support service must remain open. Mark Ward TD”
Parents of children with autism disclose refusal of access to CAMHS
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has given his support to Families for Reform of CAMHS in their submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth (CDEIY). Deputy Ward was speaking in support of the groups campaign to raise awareness of their difficulty in receiving service forContinue reading “Parents of children with autism disclose refusal of access to CAMHS”
Dublin Mid West Sinn Féin select 10 local candidates for local elections
Dublin Mid-West Sinn Féin has selected 10 candidates to run in the three Local Electoral Areas in the Dublin Mid-West area for the 2023 Local Elections. The party currently has two sitting Councillors in the Dublin Mid-West area and is hoping to increase its representation on South Dublin County Council to 10. Sinn Féin TDContinue reading “Dublin Mid West Sinn Féin select 10 local candidates for local elections”
Greater Awareness and Supports Needed for Small Local Business
There needs to be far greater direct engagement with the owners of small local business to help buffer them from the many current challenges they are facing, including staff recruitment challenges, inflation, energy costs and cash flow according to one South Dublin County Councillor. Sinn Féin councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh said; “As we know smallContinue reading “Greater Awareness and Supports Needed for Small Local Business”
Minister must clarify if Children with Autism are excluded by CAMHS? Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has called for focus on supports for children with autism within CAMHS. Deputy Ward was speaking following a presentation given to members of the Oireachtas by the group Families for the Reform of CAMHS. Since 2020, 25,000 children who were referred to CAMHS have been refusedContinue reading “Minister must clarify if Children with Autism are excluded by CAMHS? Mark Ward TD”
Ministers’ disappointment in Mental Health Budget is of cold comfort to patients in crisis – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD has highlighted the failure by Government to fund Mental Health for yet another year. Deputy Ward was speaking following the launch of Budget 2024 this week. Teachta Ward Said: “Another budget day another missed opportunity for mental health, another let down for individuals who are accessingContinue reading “Ministers’ disappointment in Mental Health Budget is of cold comfort to patients in crisis – Mark Ward TD”
Government must immediately regulate CAMHS – Mark Ward TD
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health, Mark Ward TD has called on the Government to give the Mental Health Commission the statutory powers to regulate CAMHS. Deputy Ward was speaking after today’s meeting of the Health Committee where both the Mental Health Commission and The HSE stated that they would welcome this regulation. Teachta WardContinue reading “Government must immediately regulate CAMHS – Mark Ward TD”
On World Mental Health Day budget 24 must be reflective of crisis Mark Ward TD
On World Mental Health Day budget 24 must be reflective of crisis Mark Ward TD Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health Mark Ward TD has called on the Government to finally fund mental health services appropriately in today’s budget. Deputy Ward was speaking on World Mental Health Day ahead of the launch of Budget 2024. TeachtaContinue reading “On World Mental Health Day budget 24 must be reflective of crisis Mark Ward TD”
Sinn Féin Dublin Mid West 