Results 8,221-8,240 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jun 2011)

David Norris: Bravo, well said.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jun 2011)

David Norris: I ask that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport re-examine his decision on grants to Galway and Sligo airports, both of which I use comparatively frequently. The amount of money involved is comparatively small but its loss will be devastating for these regions. It will become more difficult to attract tourists and a considerable number of business people use these airports. The...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jun 2011)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Jun 2011)

David Norris: I welcome the fact that the Leader of the House, Senator Cummins, has made arrangements for us to speak extensively about the late Brian Lenihan. I was at the funeral and found it very moving. I knew him from his days in Trinity College. He was a brilliant student. I think Brian Lenihan would be very glad that we are meeting here today and that we did not cancel our business. Brian...

Seanad: Death of Former Minister: Expressions of Sympathy (15 Jun 2011)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Jun 2011)

David Norris: Look what happened to him.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Jun 2011)

David Norris: I think all Members of this House would have liked to have said a few words about the late Brian Lenihan but, from my point of view, the opinion of the Independent university group was eloquently expressed by Senator Mullen and I do not propose to add further to it because the matter was handled in a very dignified way. I shall write privately to the Lenihan family. I am particularly...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Jun 2011)

David Norris: I ask for this debate because the point should be made, and perhaps Senator Mullen would then agree with me, that it would be an equal mistake to scapegoat the families. I am glad to put on the record that he is now nodding because it might appear to some people reading the text as if he was scapegoating the families. Those families were in desperate circumstances. I heard a woman speak so...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Jun 2011)

David Norris: -----because, as they were members of the labouring class, they were not considered fit persons into whose custody she could be released. I would welcome the opportunity during the debate to make it clear that we have the greatest sympathy for those unfortunate and marginalised families as well and they should not be brought under attack.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2011)

David Norris: My colleagues raised the anniversary of the first 100 days of this Government, as is appropriate in this Parliament. However, that anniversary will come only once. I refer to another that always comes round, namely, Bloomsday. I say this in a serious way although with a good and happy heart. Bloomsday has become a universal celebration of humane values which pleases me very much. Forty...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2011)

David Norris: I thank Senator White and stand corrected. It was a very useful group of people. That is the single, greatest value, literary prize in the world for a single work of fiction. There will be many Bloomsday celebrations, thanks to the work of people such as Mr. Ken Monaghan, Joyce's nephew - sadly, this is the first year he will not be with us - Joyce's grand-nephew, Mr. Robert Joyce, and the...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jun 2011)

David Norris: Last week, I raised two related issues. One was about Bethany Home and the fact that the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin should be included in the redress scheme. This was met with a rather strange silence. The other issue was about Magdalene laundries. I would like to pursue these issues, because there have been developments. First, on behalf of the Bethany Home survivors, Mr....

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (Resumed) (21 Jun 2011)

David Norris: I am grateful to my colleague, friend and former academic colleague in Trinity College for giving me some of his time. I was happy for him to speak first because I have spoken many times on this very important subject in the House. On a number of occasions, I have used it for my Private Members' time. The Acting Chairman will recall that after the Seanad elections in 2007, I tabled the...

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (Resumed) (21 Jun 2011)

David Norris: Thank you. This means that we go back to the Government with a united House, a united voice and with united recommendations. There is a voice missing here today, which is that of my colleague and friend, the former Senator Joe O'Toole. I was always the radical and always wanted the clean sweep. Joe O'Toole always had a wise voice and I think we should revisit his proposals, because they...

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (Resumed) (21 Jun 2011)

David Norris: I beg your pardon.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (Resumed) (21 Jun 2011)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (Resumed) (21 Jun 2011)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jun 2011)

David Norris: I need hardly say that I support everything that was so eloquently said by Senator Zappone. I need saying nothing more because that matter is in capable hands. She will have my support when such a debate takes place. Regarding the Order of Business, we had a good start but it seems we are wobbling and I wish to signal a number of concerns. The first concerns the fact that Private Members'...

Seanad: Jobs Initiative and Competitiveness: Statements (Resumed) (22 Jun 2011)

David Norris: I welcome the Minister of State to the House and compliment the Leas-Chathaoirleach on his flexibility with regard to time as far the Leader of the House is concerned. I say this sincerely because the Leader always had a very strong interest in matters when he was on this side of the House. We spoke very closely on the development of the bio-fuels industry in County Waterford. The...

Seanad: Jobs Initiative and Competitiveness: Statements (Resumed) (22 Jun 2011)

David Norris: I think I possibly have a little latitude. Consider the way in which Ballyfermot College of Further Education took this up. Consider how we have combined technology and imagination with "Granny O'Grimm", "The Story of Kells" and "Give Up Yer Aul Sins". These are wonderful Irish stories with Irish imagination and technology. In the past decade, the animation sector has flourished and...