Results 7,361-7,380 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2010)

David Norris: I agree strongly with Senator Ó Murchú, who as usual spoke in a very clear, dignified and learned manner about the situation in the Middle East. He is quite right to say we need to have a debate on the situation in Gaza. Perhaps we could also consider the Goldstone report, which has been adopted by the United Nations. The report, which is being discussed by the Joint Committee on Foreign...

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Apr 2010)

David Norris: I share the concern of my colleagues about the resignation of the governor of Mountjoy Women's Prison, Ms Kathleen McMahon, who is a remarkable woman who has done wonderful work. Senator O'Toole referred to prison overcrowding and the fact that people were put in jail for not having a television licence. Two years ago I tabled an amendment to a Bill in this House to deal with that matter...

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Apr 2010)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Apr 2010)

David Norris: Two years too late.

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Apr 2010)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Apr 2010)

David Norris: That is right; they admitted their programmes were biased already. What about having an unbiased, independent report, which I have asked the Leader to consider------

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Apr 2010)

David Norris: ------agreeing to the call from the Garda ombudsman there should be a full independent report, the call for which has also been squashed? If that is the Leader's idea of democracy-----

Seanad: Women's Participation in Politics: Statements. (27 Apr 2010)

David Norris: Many men do not find it attractive either.

Seanad: Women's Participation in Politics: Statements. (27 Apr 2010)

David Norris: Bravo.

Seanad: Women's Participation in Politics: Statements. (27 Apr 2010)

David Norris: That was a fine and challenging speech by Senator Harris. I also compliment the previous speakers, Senator Fitzgerald, the Minister of State and, most particularly, Senator McDonald. I thought her contribution was challenging and clear. She took on those within the backwoods of her party, which takes political courage. I felt every word she said was right. Of course, it is not applicable...

Seanad: Women's Participation in Politics: Statements. (27 Apr 2010)

David Norris: Is it? This is the figure I got from one of the reports so presumably it has been changed. That helpful interruption came from Senator Bacik and we are largely here today because of her initiatives. It was she who proposed the investigation by the committee of the role of women in politics and it was her who secured the services not only of former and present distinguished women politicians...

Seanad: Women's Participation in Politics: Statements. (27 Apr 2010)

David Norris: So the committee got it wrong too. Interestingly, according to my report, it states there are 14% in the Dáil and "only" 17% in the Seanad. It should have started with the larger number in the Seanad and then "only" the smaller number in the Dáil. Fianna Fáil took on the issue to an extent. I read the party's gender equality audit and the gender equality action plan. There is a nice...

Seanad: Women's Participation in Politics: Statements. (27 Apr 2010)

David Norris: In that case, being a very biddable male and subservient in all things to the authority of the Chair and the gentle person therein, I will subside. I very much welcome this debate and congratulate the members of the committee, in particular Senator Bacik. It was mentioned that education gives confidence. I was really jealous when Senator Bacik organised a commemoration of the 90th election...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Apr 2010)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Apr 2010)

David Norris: Well said.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Apr 2010)

David Norris: Bravo.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Apr 2010)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Apr 2010)

David Norris: I agree with my colleagues who spoke about the matter of the Garda convention. I have always believed in freedom of speech and still do. It may well be legitimate for individual citizens to hold and, in some cases, express extreme views such as those that have been aired. However, we are not discussing an ordinary citizen. The person in question is a representative of those who are the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Apr 2010)

David Norris: Such fortitude is what is needed in order to take on the system, of which Standard & Poor's, Fitch Ratings and Moodys are part. These companies are completely corrupt, particularly as they were involved in rating the top six bundles that precipitated the entire financial crisis. Goldman Sachs corruptly profited as a result of Greece being sent down the slide. No one is taking action in...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Apr 2010)

David Norris: I again call for Standard & Poor's and the other companies to which I refer to be wiped off the international map and for a truly independent ratings agency to be established under the auspices for the United Nations.