Results 4,521-4,540 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I cannot possibly match Senator Eoghan Harris.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: That was the most splendid piece of rhetoric but I agree with the thrust of what he said. Ireland Inc. needs to be represented. The publicity that is gained, the highlighting of our success, our industry and everything of which we can be proud is an important function of Government and we should not be cheese-paring about it. People need to arrive in good condition. I am a member of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I support strongly Senator Coghlan on the matter of the groceries order. A number of us stood up against its abolition stating nothing would change or prices would increase and that commercial life, especially for small business people, would be seriously damaged. I believe that has happened. Even worse, it has facilitated alcoholic drink offers if not below-cost selling of alcohol. We...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: Dustin for Eurovision, Norris for fashion. We still have a sense of humour.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: Only in France, not here.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Agency Workers) (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern. He is a decent man and I know he will not take anything I say either amiss or personally. I compliment Senator Donohoe on his outstanding contribution. While I am delivering bouquets, I compliment the Labour Party on introducing an important and socially relevant Bill. It seems to be part of a pincer movement. I notice the party...

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Agency Workers) (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: It may mean the Government will do something pretty weak. I have come across promises of this nature on many occasions. The Minister of State's comment that "the Government's position on the draft EU directive has been that while we support the principle of equal treatment, the most recent proposals did not have the necessary degree of balance" is what the leader of the Minister of State's...

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Agency Workers) (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: Yes, it is.

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Agency Workers) (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I am not inviting interruption.

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Agency Workers) (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: We have a serious and nasty problem in respect of these workers.

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Agency Workers) (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I could not dig out any clear research pertaining to the conditions which apply. Perhaps the Minister of State and his colleagues will be able to point us in the right direction. I have found comparable stuff from our neighbouring island, however, the attitude of which we seem to be mimicking. Agency workers in the United Kingdom are paid an average of 68% of the earnings of directly...

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Agency Workers) (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: Mr. Cooper wrote that it is suspected that 600 jobs will be lost during of the redevelopment of Arnotts.

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Agency Workers) (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: Irish Ferries got rid of 500 staff.

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Agency Workers) (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: We have to watch this space to see if Arnotts, which is a wonderful firm, engages in the noxious practice of hiring agency workers when it reopens.

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Agency Workers) (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I would not touch it.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Mar 2008)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I support what Senator Harris has said. While I may return to the issue at some future stage, I do not propose to discuss it further at this juncture. I strongly support the appeal made by Archbishop Dermot Clifford to the GAA, as this country's principal amateur sporting organisation, to consider the possibility of removing drinks advertising from their sporting events. The archbishop has...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Mar 2008)

David Norris: The archbishop also made a good point when he argued that the scheduling of young people's matches is sometimes regrettable. Young people are dropped off at the church gates and carted off to play games, missing mass in the process, and brought back when such activities are over. As an old fogey, I think one develops one's habits at a young age. Going to church is habit-forming. I am glad...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I thought the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt, did a very good job this morning.