Results 3,821-3,840 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Second Stage (26 Apr 2007)

David Norris: I deplore this legislation and the absence of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, who has not seen fit to show his face in the House. I am not surprised; perhaps he is ashamed. This is a dreadful day for the Oireachtas. It is a complete abrogation of democratic responsibility. The Seanad is being treated with contempt. Our principal responsibility is to review and refine...

Seanad: Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Second Stage (26 Apr 2007)

David Norris: The European Court of Human Rights has stated that under Article 6.1 of the European Convention on Human Rights, "the right to silence and the right not to incriminate oneself, are generally recognised international standards which lie at the heart of the notion of a fair procedure under Article 6". There is much to be worried about. I have not gone into all the technical details because...

Seanad: Citizenship Applications. (26 Apr 2007)

David Norris: This is a serious matter and I am glad that the Minister of State who heard my opinions on the Criminal Justice Bill is here because I made the point that this is all of a piece with the situation wherein a citizen of this country, presumed innocent, can be brought before a court and, effectively, jailed for seven days on the word of a garda who is immune from cross-examination and does not...

Seanad: Citizenship Applications. (26 Apr 2007)

David Norris: I thank the Minister of State for his reply, the last paragraph of which was helpful. The antepenultimate paragraph of the reply states, "A copy of the submission prepared by officials of the Department at the time was forwarded to the applicant for his information." I have just confirmed with the person involved, who is present in the Visitor's Gallery, that it was not forwarded to him....

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Apr 2007)

David Norris: The leader of the Fine Gael group is not present today so Senator Coghlan is agreeing to the Order of Business.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Apr 2007)

David Norris: He is a very agreeable Senator.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Apr 2007)

David Norris: I rise on a solemn matter, to announce the date of the general election, which will be 24 May. I know this definitively because I heard Mr. Charlie Bird say it on the news.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Apr 2007)

David Norris: Nothing could be more relevant.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Apr 2007)

David Norris: The Cathaoirleach should use his high office to communicate this news to the Taoiseach so that he can facilitate the process by dissolving the Dáil.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Apr 2007)

David Norris: In regard to today's business, one need only look about the Chamber. The attendance is pathetic, even for the Order of Business. There is practically nobody here.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Apr 2007)

David Norris: They also know when the election is.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Apr 2007)

David Norris: I take part in most of the debates in this House and I took part in virtually everything that happened yesterday. However, I have no intention of wasting my time contributing to the debate on the remaining Stages of the Criminal Justice Bill 2007. It is merely a farce and an empty gesture. No amendments will be accepted. We are talking into thin air and I have more important things to do...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2007)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2007)

David Norris: The Senator is a social climber.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2007)

David Norris: I join my colleagues in offering my thanks and praise to the officers and staff of the House and the good words said about those retiring by various colleagues. I wish to mention my colleague on these benches, Senator Henry, with whom I have not always agreed. We have had our ups and downs but she added something special with her particular tone of voice, the reasonable way in which she...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2007)

David Norris: Deputy Kenny has a better contract than your party does, darling.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2007)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2007)

David Norris: I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his career. He will be missed. Apart from anything else, God alone knows what we will be landed with in his place. Speaking of which, I welcome back Senator Cassidy whose return shows the Government has been influenced by the Green Party and is intent on a campaign of recycling. This place is getting more like a nature reserve every day. I think of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2007)

David Norris: With regard to today's business, will the Government consider withdrawing the Ethics in Public Office (Amendment) Bill? Apart from anything else, it does not contain a definition of ethics. Does this mean the Government is a stranger to ethics and cannot define it because it does not know what it means? This is likely in light of the legislation on stamp duty. The Minister for Finance...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2007)

David Norris: The Cathaoirleach is correct. However, I ask for the removal of the Ethics in Public Office (Amendment) Bill. Consider what was cobbled together with the gene pool and people of like mind. There is a whiff off them that would blind almighty God and they do not have any problems about ethics. This Bill should be withdrawn until the Government understands what is meant by "ethics". I...