Results 5,701-5,720 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Education Matters: Statements (10 Feb 2009)

David Norris: I welcome the Minister to the House. He is one of the bright spots in a Government which has become unsure and stumbling in confronting this extremely difficult situation. The Minister has dealt with matters under his aegis with decision and clarity. Not all the decisions are palatable and not all of them recommend themselves. One will have squawks and screeches from all over the place,...

Seanad: Education Matters: Statements (10 Feb 2009)

David Norris: Yes, for education. I would like to refer to the review by the UN Human Rights Committee which looked at this situation and said the integrated curriculum, or ethos, is discrimination: "The committee notes with concern that the vast majority of Ireland's primary schools are privately run denominational schools that have adopted a religious integrated curriculum thus depriving many parents...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: This is complete nonsense. It is a farce.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: Yes.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: I took part in yesterday's debate on education, which was good and vigorous. I took certain electoral risks by supporting elements of Government policy but feel betrayed because the Minister clearly knew there would be cuts to special needs provision. The people affected are vulnerable, yet every agency or organ of the State that speaks out on their behalf has been dismantled. There are...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: Will the Leader inform his troops that there will be a briefing session on domestic partnership at 1 p.m. in the audiovisual room, organised by speakers from the Irish Council for Civil Liberties? Perhaps Members would like to attend.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: If the Seanad is adjourned, it is not working.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: The Cathaoirleach is not dealing appropriately with the issue——

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: It should be related to disability not numbers.

Seanad: Request to Move Adjournment of the Seanad under Standing Order 30 (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: What is a national emergency?

Seanad: Child Poverty: Motion (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: I have just come from a long meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs which did some constructive and positive work and passed unanimously an agreed statement on Gaza. In circumstances such as these, I always begin my contribution by saying I will probably not need eight minutes and then find eight minutes is not enough. On this occasion, I probably have more time than is...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2009)

David Norris: Good.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2009)

David Norris: Once again the entire Order of Business is consumed with our financial woes, and that is highly appropriate. As far as I can see, it is not being done on the Order of Business anywhere else. That shows the significance of this opportunity to discuss these matters and to be relevant. This is not a drip, drip situation but a splash, splash one. We are being inundated with bad news. The...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2009)

David Norris: Yes, can we have this debate and raise these specific points either in the debate or with the Minister? Due diligence is being performed after the investment is being made. Talk about buying a pig in a poke. That is almost looking around to see if there is a poke with a pig in it in which we can invest. I do not have great confidence. If I was to choose a Minister for Finance at this stage...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2009)

David Norris: We should consider extending the Order of Business. It is the only relevant point in the entire day and we are mad not to do it, particularly in these times. The Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2008 is rubbish.

Seanad: Recapitalisation of Allied Irish Banks and Bank of Ireland: Statements (12 Feb 2009)

David Norris: I do not mean to interrupt, but I am wondering who is responsible for providing Senator Butler with violin accompaniment.

Seanad: Recapitalisation of Allied Irish Banks and Bank of Ireland: Statements (12 Feb 2009)

David Norris: It will not be.

Seanad: Recapitalisation of Allied Irish Banks and Bank of Ireland: Statements (12 Feb 2009)

David Norris: The picture painted by Senator Ross is both accurate and grim. We have been confronted with an apocalyptic scenario. Good governance has been absent at senior levels in the banks, regulation has been poor, the banks have engaged in speculation on private accounts and mischarging of accounts and have provided assistance with tax evasion. The record is astonishing. Appalling investments...