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Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2011)

David Norris: I do not have a leader.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2011)

David Norris: In light of the Leader's helpful and co-operative answer, I am happy to withdraw the amendment.

Seanad: Finance (No. 3) Bill: Committee and Remaining Stages (19 Jul 2011)

David Norris: I consider that we are very lucky to have someone of the standing of Senator Zappone to make the detailed, considered, thoughtful and authoritative statement on this matter. I support every word she said and amplify it slightly. The first point is with regard to constitutionality. That is simply a ruse, and everybody knows that. The Law Reform Commission took advice on that and it was...

Seanad: Residential Institutions (Redress) Bill 2011: Second Stage (19 Jul 2011)

David Norris: I welcome the Minister to the House. I regard him as an old friend and colleague and somebody with a compassionate heart and interest in these matters. I have had an amendment to the Bill disallowed on the grounds that it would cause a charge on the Exchequer. It undoubtedly would do so, but this is something that should be encompassed in reform of the Seanad. It is completely ridiculous...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jul 2011)

David Norris: I wish to be associated with the congratulations to Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh. One of the happy benefits of the new arrival is that the Senator will no doubt pass on his beautiful and fluent Irish, thus helping to underpin the future of our language. I also join other speakers in welcoming the appointment of Mrs. Justice Susan Denham as Chief Justice. It is a remarkable advance and...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jul 2011)

David Norris: Another Member referred to the issue of the prayer which is said at the commencement of business in this House. It is a very beautiful prayer and, as a believing Christian, I am of the view that it is appropriate to say such prayers before beginning one's work. However, one must be mindful of the separation of church and State and of the view of many people like myself - I do not say this...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jul 2011)

David Norris: I accept that. However, the Standing Orders of the Seanad do not apply to the broadcast of the Angelus. As a member of the Church of Ireland, I have consistently defended its broadcast. It would be unfortunate if the impression were to go out that the Church of Ireland objects to it. As I understand it, the church does not have an official position on the matter. As a weekly churchgoer,...

Seanad: Hospital Services (21 Jul 2011)

David Norris: I also welcome the Minister of State, as I know she is both passionate and caring. As she knows, I do not make a habit of raising hospital issues, but I have a track record in this regard. I direct her attention back to 8 December 2008 when I raised the question of a geriatric home in Carlow which was being closed unnecessarily by the HSE, with a report recording only minor decorative...

Seanad: Hospital Services (21 Jul 2011)

David Norris: This serious matter is too close to the heart. The difficulty is that if, as proposed, this hospital is closed, there will be serious consequences for the current patients. The 20 clients of the day care centre will lose this service and a tradition going back 151 years will be gone. The hospital is the largest employer on the island, employing 35 people, in the equivalent of 20 full-time...

Seanad: Hospital Services (21 Jul 2011)

David Norris: My campaign is well launched but I thank the Chair for those encouraging words, which I take very much to heart.

Seanad: Hospital Services (21 Jul 2011)

David Norris: I thank the Minister very much for her concern, in particular for her opening remarks. I know she said that she cannot be held to it, but I would like her to continue to engage with it because it is infinitely better than the bureaucratic gobbledegook that forms most of the speech, which is virtually impenetrable and could mean anything and which gives absolutely no commitment, except to the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Jul 2011)

David Norris: I am sure other Members have already raised the situation in Norway but I wish to add my expression of sympathy to the people of Norway and compliment them on the dignified way in which they have responded to what was described on Fox News, without any evidence, as an attack by Al-Qaeda but which was actually an attack by a Christian fundamentalist. As a Christian I am deeply ashamed should...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Jul 2011)

David Norris: Yes. The Cathaoirleach may have missed it. I asked it at the beginning; perhaps I should have left it until the end.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Jul 2011)

David Norris: I asked if we could have a debate early next session on the Gaeltacht areas, particularly the islands.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Sep 2011)

David Norris: Like my colleagues I am very glad to be back and I look forward to our serious work. I was struck by the analytical way in which Senator Zappone approached what is perhaps a problematic area, namely, the amalgamation of certain organisations which have done very good service. She may well have support from the Government side because I remember these issues were raised when the Equality...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Sep 2011)

David Norris: Yes, this is my question. Will the Leader take this to Government and ask if plans can be made to introduce something similar to section 71 of the British Coroners and Justice Act 2009? It should be a comparatively simple matter. It would be utterly shameful if we find there are conditions of slavery - we know of people, particularly illegal immigrants and others from foreign countries who...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Sep 2011)

David Norris: That is the reason we are glad the Labour Party is in its present position.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Sep 2011)

David Norris: I share the concerns expressed about the operation of the guillotine. This is not the first time we have had a guillotine in this Parliament. Historically, the Leader of the House, Senator Cummins, has shared those concerns. I assume that proper and sufficient reason will be given for the use of the guillotine and that it will not become a practice. A couple of people described each other...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Sep 2011)

David Norris: I welcome the taking of item No. 1, although I note that it is without debate. I ask the Leader whether we can have a debate some time on the principles that underlie the motion, but I am happy it will go through. However, there is one point I would like to make; I am sure my colleague Senator Mullen, who is our representative, will mention this. I note that the names of the Independent...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Sep 2011)

David Norris: Like Senator Mullins, I was thrilled by the result of the match and I send my congratulations along with the rest of the House. Rugby is like politics. Dublin was ahead by one point at half time. I thought we had the psychological advantage and then Kerry got a goal and it went to the wire. That is exactly like politics. That is the kind of politics I am experiencing at the moment but...