Results 8,381-8,400 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Second Stage (6 Dec 2011)

David Norris: That does not leave a great deal of time. Will all the remaining Stages be taken tomorrow?

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Second Stage (6 Dec 2011)

David Norris: It will be still possible to table amendments subsequently.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

David Norris: I strongly support the amendment as it addresses the position of very vulnerable people. The Minister of State was present when I made similar points on Second Stage. In particular, I addressed myself to the issue of the affordable housing schemes under which houses, homes or apartments were made available to people, including many who were in very valuable professions such as nurses,...

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

David Norris: On a point of order, it is certainly a tradition, if not part of the order of this House, that the office of presidency is exempt from comment, particularly unfavourable comment. As someone who stood in that election, I must say we could not possibly have a greater or more gracious President than the current incumbent. I do not believe for one minute it was RTE that got him in.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

David Norris: I hope there will be some degree of flexibility. There is just a little of casuistry in what the Minister said about the affordable housing scheme not qualifying for an exemption. While it may well be true that this scheme was intended to assist people, it has not and has actually placed many in difficulties. Those in the scheme are in possession of properties which are not worth anything...

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

David Norris: I agree with my colleague. One must be sympathetic to companies which are in serious difficulties or whose affairs are being administered by NAMA. However, the principle the Minister of State enunciated is that they are deriving no financial profit.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

David Norris: If one puts aside the question it was never occupied, I am not sure that in the current circumstances it could be argued that persons in affordable housing derived a profit. They did not. In fact, they received a financial disadvantage because they were seduced by advertising and by a campaign. I was well aware of it because I had a number of friends, and, in fact, I think a distant member...

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

David Norris: I was well aware of the fact that there was a sustained advertising campaign which stated it was to their advantage. The argument the Minister of State has advanced, that one should exempt companies because they derive no financial advantage from it, should also extend to those who got affordable housing. Whereas it was originally envisaged that they would receive a financial advantage, in...

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

David Norris: The Sinn Féin German was not convincing in the Dáil.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

David Norris: First, I support this amendment in principle. It is a very good one. Second, I always listen with great interest to what Senator Bradford says because he says it in such a calm, measured and reasonable way but that does not always mean the ideas he enunciates are as calm and reasonable as the tone. The first point I would make is that I do not believe this country is bankrupt. It would be...

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

David Norris: That would be a different matter but the Senator was talking about the criteria. When I said it is not just in the past ten years, I was greatly struck by the fact that we are now in the anniversary of the treaty, which is a significant historical event but if one examines the bills that came in from Harrods and Fortnum & Mason one can see that the delegates did not go to the cheapest shops....

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

David Norris: Okay. I recently got a Giorgio Armani overcoat from a charity shop which we valued at about €2,000. It was Multiple Sclerosis Ireland. I had given them a donation and they told me there was something in the back of the shop in which I might be interested, which they had priced at €50. I know many people from various walks of life, and some professional people who have experienced...

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

David Norris: Certainly so far. The Senator is on probation.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

David Norris: I find myself having a great deal of sympathy for what Sinn Féin members have said and with the motivation behind their amendment. The principle of good government would be to poverty-proof legislation. I also said at the time - it was recommended by the Irish Human Rights Commission - that one function of those who undertake research would be to be employed by the Oireachtas to ensure...

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

David Norris: I am addressing a matter that was raised. I am sure the Acting Chairman will give good guidance on this because I have noted her wisdom and it is as if she was born to the role. I am making the point for which she is reproving me. Discussion of the difference in application between the North and South is a partisan argument which does not address the principle of the amendment. I would...

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

David Norris: I hope we can progress and discuss as much of the Bill as possible before the guillotine, which we will see again this evening, is operated. Perhaps we might even succeed if we co-operate. The Minister of State is usually a co-operative and decent person. We might deal with the entire Bill.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

David Norris: I do not believe I have repeated myself too much.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

David Norris: If the Senator found himself down to the three or four most basic items he might be persuaded to agree.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

David Norris: That is a very good argument for excluding affordable housing.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (7 Dec 2011)

David Norris: I am very pleased that my Sinn Féin colleagues have taken this sophisticated approach to the issue. They will be more successful in so doing and I will certainly support them strongly. I would be honoured to have my name added to their revised amendment. The Minister of State has been clear and honest with us in his responses. A hint of what is at issue here was given by an earlier...