Results 6,761-6,780 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Second Stage (9 Nov 2009)

David Norris: Many of these institutions are primarily responsible for what happened in the United States and yet they are still allowed to get away with it.

Seanad: Defence Forces Equipment (9 Nov 2009)

David Norris: I am extremely grateful to the Minister for Finance for staying behind to hear the debate on this motion at a late hour. This is a matter of military provision and also morality. I was able to change my vote on the Lisbon treaty on foot of a clear guarantee I had received from the Minister for Foreign Affairs that we would distance ourselves from the attitudes displayed by the European...

Seanad: Defence Forces Equipment (9 Nov 2009)

David Norris: That is the line I quoted already.

Seanad: Defence Forces Equipment (9 Nov 2009)

David Norris: I thank the Minister for his reply. I ask that the report of this Adjournment matter be transmitted to the Minister for Defence so that he may consider it himself, as I do not hold the Minister for Finance to be responsible. He has made a strong, indirect argument for an embargo. The EuroMed agreement, which has been referred to, has human rights protocols attached to it. There is strong...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Nov 2009)

David Norris: I received the Cathaoirleach's ruling in respect of the matter I proposed to raised on the Adjournment relating to Aer Lingus pensions. I accept that ruling in light of the fact the Cathaoirleach's knowledge of the matter may be incomplete. I wish to ask if he might obtain for me further legal information with regard to whether the Minister has responsibility in this area. I am of the view...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Nov 2009)

David Norris: It is an absolute outrage. It appears there is one rule for the rich and another for the vulnerable. I have been issuing warnings about this matter for quite some time. While I am awaiting the Cathaoirleach's ruling on this matter - I ask that he raise the matter directly with the Minister - would he be kind enough to permit me to ask the Leader if he will make time available for a debate...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Nov 2009)

David Norris: Pat Kenny did not like it, but it is the kind of stuff that is dished out to us all the time. We take it, we are so supine.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Nov 2009)

David Norris: Excellent.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (10 Nov 2009)

David Norris: It is a national emergency.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (10 Nov 2009)

David Norris: That is fine. I am just seeking clarification. It seems like a national emergency to me.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (10 Nov 2009)

David Norris: Yes.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (10 Nov 2009)

David Norris: Yes.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (10 Nov 2009)

David Norris: I find myself largely in agreement with Senator O'Toole on this matter. These amendments come between the Short Title and the purpose of the Bill. They seek to obtain as much disclosure, accountability, openness and oversight as possible. I can completely concur with that. This is the single most important legislation this House has seen in my period as a Member because it concerns the...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (10 Nov 2009)

David Norris: If it were the best person for the job, it would not matter a twopenny damn.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (10 Nov 2009)

David Norris: It is not realistic that the Government's hands could be tied. The Labour Party and Fine Gael amendments, if enacted, would be very significant, bearing in mind that they are significantly different in some ways. The Labour Party gratifyingly refers to the Houses of the Oireachtas while Fine Gael does not.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (10 Nov 2009)

David Norris: I assume it is all part of its plan to get rid of this House, about which plan there is varying enthusiasm among the current membership of the party in this House. According to my learned colleague, Senator Joe O'Toole, sections 58, 59 and 60 already contain provision for oversight and the issuing of regular reports. It would require a very substantial argument to convince an...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (10 Nov 2009)

David Norris: I am reminded of a couple of supplementary questions I wished to ask having reviewed my notes. I accept what Senator O'Toole said - I note the Minister was nodding in agreement - in regard to the banks' requirement to meet their tier 1 obligations and so on. However, everything else said reinforces the argument for nationalisation of the banks as they would then be required to act in the...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (10 Nov 2009)

David Norris: I am sure there is.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (10 Nov 2009)

David Norris: There is a good chance on it; that is excellent. I note the Minister fought a stealth-----

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (10 Nov 2009)

David Norris: We have a good chance.