Results 6,781-6,800 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

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

David Norris: I am not directly discussing that amendment but am using it as an analogy for what I wish to say, namely, that in the composition of these committees, whatever about muzzling of civil servants - I point out that the Minister has indicated there are precedents in other enactments to justify this - or utterances made in public, will the Minister agree that given this is such a serious matter it...

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

David Norris: I am glad I gave that opening to the Minister.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

David Norris: Will the Leader arrange a debate on education? It is interesting and, in some ways, very positive that there has been an 8% rise in the number of successful applicants for university. However, this has to be funded. I am very concerned at how education, particularly research and teaching, will be funded in the absence of fees. This issue needs to be discussed. I also ask that we contact...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

David Norris: Hear, hear. That is disgraceful.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

David Norris: That man is always doing this and the Cathaoirleach should put him in his box.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

David Norris: Yes, he did.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

David Norris: They always employs smear tactics and then they smarmly talk about civilised discussions, which is a load of rubbish.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

David Norris: The Cathaoirleach should adjourn the House.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

David Norris: The Senator would not recognise fairness if it laid an egg on top of his head.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)

David Norris: One is always in favour of being in harmony with the laws of both the State and the European Union but it is a little fatuous to state the Government will not engage in criminal activity. What a relief for the Irish people. Is the Minister contemplating another section stating that he undertakes not to throw stones through the windows of the Seanad Chamber? It is really daft. I do not...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)

David Norris: It is always refreshing and stimulating to listen to Senator O'Toole. It is a long time since I heard the word "tontine". The Dublin Tontine Society used to reside around the corner from me and from Senator O'Toole's distinguished union, whose history in this area I had not realised until now. It is very impressive. Senator O'Toole's argument is very persuasive. Directors of banks would...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)

David Norris: One learns more and more. However, it could be done and would not be in conflict with the kind of principles we spoke about earlier. Regrettable though it may be, I think Senator O'Toole has won this argument intellectually, game, set and match. I would prefer to see the banks nationalised, but that is not going to happen and we must live with that. Amendments Nos. 63 and 64 seem to me to...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)

David Norris: As it has been discussed, it would be completely wrong for me to revisit it, but since I am a very naughty boy, that is what I propose to do. Even though I do not agree with the amendment, I suggest it would be better if the wording was changed. It states: "Guidelines issued under this section shall be approved by the Oireachtas...". That is telling the Oireachtas it must approve them....

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)

David Norris: Amendment No. 63 states the Minister "shall cause a copy of guidelines issued under subsection (1) to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as practicable". I hope that will be done very soon because today the banks are down a further 9%, which marks a further collapse. This is desperately serious and we need to act with the greatest possible speed. On a technical drafting...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)

David Norris: The core of the Bill is less than 20 lines, even though the Bill is 160 pages long.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)

David Norris: Well said.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)

David Norris: While we are farting around in here there are people up in court who will have their houses repossessed.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)

David Norris: That is what should give us urgency in this matter. At present, it is companies such as Start Mortgages which are involved in the sub-prime area. That company refuses to be interviewed and to be subject to questioning. I will be succinct, and I hope that the Acting Chairman, Senator Cummins, will soon find it possible to put this to the House.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)

David Norris: Yes. In January last I proposed to this House the establishment of something I called the national property management agency. I will not rehearse all of that, but I just want to signal it. I returned to the matter four times. At that very early point I suggested something that chimes with what was stated by Senator Harris, who went to the heart of the issue, on the experiences of the...