Results 8,441-8,460 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris
- Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Committee Stage (15 Dec 2011)
David Norris: So opposing sections is the only instrument available to us.
- Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Committee Stage (15 Dec 2011)
David Norris: I see. That is a great pity. I have always been of the view that we were walked into a financial disaster by the Lower House. Yesterday, Senator Barrett, who is new to the House, produced a very remarkable Bill that has been accepted, in principle, by the relevant Minister. His is clear and concise legislation which addresses an extraordinarily complicated fiscal matter.
- Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Committee Stage (15 Dec 2011)
David Norris: Yes, but my remarks relate to the fact that we are merely opposing sections. I should have spotted that we are precluded from tabling amendments because of the financial constraints involved. It is a pity that the Seanad is restrictedââ
- Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Committee Stage (15 Dec 2011)
David Norris: I know. I am merely expressing the view that it is regrettable that we are not in a position to table constructive amendments. That may be one reason the debate has tended to be somewhat wide-ranging in scope. Perhaps it is why the Minister referred to more general matters during her initial contribution.
- Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Committee Stage (15 Dec 2011)
David Norris: I try to acknowledge the Minister's achievements.
- Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Committee Stage (15 Dec 2011)
David Norris: In the interests of the economy of time, I would like to say that my comments in a previous contribution should apply to this section. I was looking at the amendments and I addressed what I thought was the first amendment. History will be reasonably kind to this Minister, because I think we all accept that she has fought a very sterling battle, but the circumstances are awful and it is...
- Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Committee Stage (15 Dec 2011)
David Norris: I find it interesting to observe the ricochets of the passage of the civil partnership Act, particularly as they emerge in this legislation. The most reprehensible and disgraceful aspect of the civil partnership Act which I supported in principle was the total absence of concern for or a reference to children which left them exposed. Although it is possible for a same sex partner to adopt,...
- Seanad: Business of Seanad (15 Dec 2011)
David Norris: The Leader's amendment should be welcomed rather than agreed. We should express our thanks to the Minister and the Leader for arranging the extension.
- Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages (15 Dec 2011)
David Norris: I am interested in the language employed â one-parent family â and I wonder if the Minister could comment on that because the people in the many organisations that represent this kind of family unit describe themselves as lone parents. I do not think it is biologically possible to have a one-parent family. There have to be two parents. Is there some reason for using the phrase...
- Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages (15 Dec 2011)
David Norris: Will the Minister comment on the gross as opposed to net issue I raised? I understand if she cannot do so.
- Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages (15 Dec 2011)
David Norris: If the Minister would. I thank her very much.
- Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages (15 Dec 2011)
David Norris: Who is in the Chair?
- Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages (15 Dec 2011)
David Norris: Ah.
- Seanad: Appropriation Bill 2011: All Stages (15 Dec 2011)
David Norris: I think it is regrettable that we do not have an opportunity to debate this. In previous years we did have that opportunity.
- Seanad: Order of Business (16 Dec 2011)
David Norris: I join in the general good wishes of my colleagues. There used to be a radio programme on the BBC where people were fined for repetition so I will not repeat all the good wishes to the members of staff but from my heart I join in them, and I hope they know that. I have been a Member of this House for a quarter of a century and I have enjoyed every moment of it. I believe I can say with some...
- Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jan 2012)
David Norris: I commend the Members of the House who took part in the debate on RTE this morning, to which I listened with great interest. One thing that was missing, and we should direct our attention to filling this gap, is the list of the achievements the Seanad, with the greatest difficulty and given all the constraints it has suffered under, has managed to accomplish over many years. I think of...
- Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jan 2012)
David Norris: All the same, this is for the record. I am talking about what the Seanad can do.
- Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jan 2012)
David Norris: Yes. I am asking that we should have a discussion on the economy in which-----
- Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jan 2012)
David Norris: This is a serious matter because I am asking that the Seanad should once again add to its record by, for example, seeking the implementation of the Keating principles, which would mean that the Irish people benefit from every discovery of mineral resources in this country. If oil and gas is found at Dalkey in substantial amounts, let us bring it ashore in an environmentally satisfactory way....
- Seanad: Water Services: Statements (25 Jan 2012)
David Norris: Hear, hear.