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Seanad: Fish Quotas: Motion (15 Dec 2010)

David Norris: It is a wonderful signature tune and person identified with the programme, whose name I cannot remember-----

Seanad: Fish Quotas: Motion (15 Dec 2010)

David Norris: I very much regret that he was axed from it. It was done simply by the imposition of an arbitrary age limit, which was wrong. He had the perfect voice and attitude. I am not attempting to undermine the current presenter who is doing a good job, but there was plenty of life left in Tom McSweeney who could easily have continued on. I very much hope the wisdom of somebody who knows so much...

Seanad: Fish Quotas: Motion (15 Dec 2010)

David Norris: -----an understanding of some of the complexities of the fishing industry will not be lost. The programme is a valuable resource for the national broadcaster. I compliment the entire House because this is a good day. We are not involved in the silly schoolboyish and schoolgirlish wrangle that usually characterises the sitting on a Wednesday night. We have a little success story. In these...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Dec 2010)

David Norris: Senator Leyden has placed very significant news on the record of the House. This is a most serious matter. There are people with deep and profoundly held convictions on both sides of the issue. It touches the most serious level of our life and our values as a people. I very much hope that unlike some previous occasions when this matter was discussed, it will be done in a calm rational way...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2010)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2010)

David Norris: Great expectations.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2010)

David Norris: There is good news which we should celebrate. It is a remarkable tribute to those who have kept their heads down during this difficult period in industry and created these excellent export figures. I appeal to everybody to consider taking the same view as me on the following matter. I will never quote without criticism the ratings agencies which are morally and intellectually bankrupt and...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2010)

David Norris: -----which have done damage and are not worth a tuppenny damn. Will the Leader examine the crisis in the equine industry in the treatment of horses? The number of abandoned and mistreated horses referred to the DSPCA has increased from 26 in 2008 to 112 this year, 50% of which have to be humanely euthanised. This is a very significant problem which has been written about in the...

Seanad: School Staffing (17 Dec 2010)

David Norris: I welcome the Minister. I am relieved to have made it to the House by the skin of my teeth. I was at an educational establishment, St. Patrick's Cathedral Choir and Grammar School, which dates back in some ways to 1432. I thank the staff of the House with whom I kept in contact by telephone and who were exceedingly helpful, as they always are. The matter I raise refers to a special school...

Seanad: School Staffing (17 Dec 2010)

David Norris: I thank the Minister for that welcome news. It seems to be very positive and I am sure it will provide considerable reassurance for those members of staff and the parents who have been in touch with me. Is it possible to keep us informed of progress? I am glad to hear interviews are being conducted today and that there will be fully qualified, professional teachers. That is an excellent...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jan 2011)

David Norris: Why not? It is the first day.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jan 2011)

David Norris: This is a rather sombre return of Seanad Éireann for a number of reasons, one of which, as referred to by Senator Leyden and in respect of which I would like to say a few words, is the future, if there is one, of this Chamber. Another reason is the extraordinary collapse of the Government, which is what has happened. The Government has collapsed. I have the greatest regard and respect for...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jan 2011)

David Norris: -----the Taoiseach would have no choice but to call an election because the plug would effectively have been pulled on a Government in a state of collapse. A new Government would then be required. On a new Government, it is important that is what we get. It is hoped in this regard that there will be generous support from those who will have to leave Government and from their supporters....

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jan 2011)

David Norris: At least it is an offer I take seriously, as I take this House seriously. It should not be just President McAleese. I had the pleasure and honour of, and I took pride in, seeing her address a few hundred hard boiled business people in Texas and she had them in the palm of her hand. That is the kind of thing we want. I do not care from what political complexion this comes but it would be...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jan 2011)

David Norris: There should be a debate on the situation regarding the banks and the contacts with senior members of the Government, particularly the Taoiseach - that was an astonishing revelation and I agree on this occasion with Senator Alex White. If the question of the dreadful situation at Anglo Irish Bank was not discussed, why not? It suggests that, over a period of many hours, this of all...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jan 2011)

David Norris: One has to do one or the other. Senator Leyden asked whether the Government supports the O'Rourke report. I am happy to provide the answer, which is "No". How do I know that? On the first day I returned to the House I tabled a motion on it and the Government side of the House voted against it.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jan 2011)

David Norris: Senator Leyden has the answer on that issue.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jan 2011)

David Norris: I am putting a question to the Leader. I am asking him to-----

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jan 2011)

David Norris: Yes, and that is the specific function of the Order of Business, particularly on the first day back when there are no time limits, as I am sure the Cathaoirleach is aware. I respectfully suggest that we should not accept the proposed Order of Business. There should be a debate on No. 1; it should not be passed without debate.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jan 2011)

David Norris: No, I do not propose an amendment. I simply point out that I will oppose the Order of Business on the grounds that we should discuss No. 1. I am aware that many colleagues in the House are close to county councils.