Results 3,021-3,040 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Economic Competitiveness: Motion (22 Nov 2006)

David Norris: I did not anticipate being called so soon. I thought I would have another ten minutes. I compliment my colleague, Senator Quinn, on tabling this important motion on inflation. I am glad I have this time to speak on it because it would be a great pity if a subject as significant as this were not supported by the Members representing the University of Dublin and it was left to all our...

Seanad: Economic Competitiveness: Motion (22 Nov 2006)

David Norris: I thought it would be the gentlemanly thing to do to let him know that I was going to embark on a little slight. I listened to him with some amusement and interest but unfortunately I had to leave because I had a guest with me and I was not able to wait for his full contribution. I noted he took on a certain national newspaper, of which I must say I have rather mixed views, as I have of its...

Seanad: Economic Competitiveness: Motion (22 Nov 2006)

David Norris: Even more cruel moves. The Senator is definitely the rotter of the remove. I do not always agree with my colleague when he writes in the newspaper, especially when he engages on his union bashing exercises, but on the other hand, he writes with extraordinary clarity and accessibility. For people like me, to whom economics is something of a mystery, in fact a greater mystery——

Seanad: Economic Competitiveness: Motion (22 Nov 2006)

David Norris: ——he makes it accessible to me. Senator Mansergh probably said this with a touch of irony and a little soupçon of wit——

Seanad: Economic Competitiveness: Motion (22 Nov 2006)

David Norris: That is a fair point but I want to take up the Senator on one phrase. He spoke about Senator Ross's Sunday addresses to the nation from the pulpit of——

Seanad: Economic Competitiveness: Motion (22 Nov 2006)

David Norris: The Senator should not be such a nitpicker. I am waiting for the Chair to say "Senator Norris without interruption."

Seanad: Economic Competitiveness: Motion (22 Nov 2006)

David Norris: When the good Senator drew a contrast between the public addresses and the privacy of the Seanad, I thought that was a very interesting thought. I must agree with great reluctance that nothing which happens here at this hour will be reflected and this debate should be taken seriously and reflected in the media. I support the motion. However, I have concerns about the term "prudent" when...

Seanad: Economic Competitiveness: Motion (22 Nov 2006)

David Norris: Why did we not have the gumption to exploit these opportunities ourselves? Affordable housing was vaunted by the Government. It sold out and let property builders and speculators weasel their way around it. It contributes to house inflation which is significant. It is a terrible situation that so few young people are able to buy a house. The Minister of State knows this is true because we...

Seanad: Economic Competitiveness: Motion (22 Nov 2006)

David Norris: They always state, "It is historical." However, it exists and it is a lousy contract. Now we must buy it out. In terms of prudent stewardship, the Government is skating on very thin ice. Senator Quinn, as a businessman, isolated an important matter in terms of competitiveness. The strength of our economy depends on maintaining competitive status in the world. We have the advantage of a...

Seanad: Economic Competitiveness: Motion (22 Nov 2006)

David Norris: Of what am I an ornament?

Seanad: Economic Competitiveness: Motion (22 Nov 2006)

David Norris: Senator Mansergh is so kind but I am afraid I sense a little touch of irony. This is an important subject. The House is in debt to Senator Quinn for having raised it because he signals a warning that our present remarkable position may not last if we are not prudent and do not ensure we do not price ourselves out of the market. It is a competitive world. Competition comes not from the...

Seanad: Economic Competitiveness: Motion (22 Nov 2006)

David Norris: Now he has nurse Leyden tending him so I am sure his wounds will be well treated.

Seanad: Economic Competitiveness: Motion (22 Nov 2006)

David Norris: Senator Leyden's party picked up a lot more than the pieces along the way.

Seanad: Economic Competitiveness: Motion (22 Nov 2006)

David Norris: That is party spite. Shame.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

David Norris: That is rubbish.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

David Norris: Of what party were they members?

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

David Norris: I ask the Leader to find a way to move forward the Civil Partnership Bill. It is very important it is moved forward if we are to be taken seriously as legislators. The Government has procrastinated on this in an extraordinary fashion. The matter has been referred to various committees, including the Oireachtas All-Party Committee on the Constitution reviewing the family. It reported along...

Seanad: Prisons Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2006)

David Norris: I welcome the Minister and I am pleased that another significant piece of legislation has been introduced first in the Seanad. This is good because the Seanad should be used to examine, generally in a non-partisan way, Government legislative proposals. From reading the explanatory memorandum and other material this Bill has two principal purposes. The first is to allow the Minister for...

Seanad: Prisons Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2006)

David Norris: I thought the Cathaoirleach was going to say I had a minute left.

Seanad: Prisons Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2006)

David Norris: The Cathaoirleach is exceptionally kind. That is the kind of civilisation we need. If we had this approach to Thornton Hall and the mental hospital, we would be in business. Senator Mansergh suggested no one thinks prisons should not exist. I am a Utopian and, in an ideal world, they should not exist. In my opinion, they should be the last resort. The Minister has encouraged community...