Results 9,341-9,360 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)

David Norris: The Leader has very graciously gone a considerable way towards meeting my concerns. Perhaps he might go a little further and allow us to see the decisions which are not of a controversial or legal nature. Perhaps he might circulate decisions which he has been advised do not have legal implications. If he does this, I will happily withdraw the amendment.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)

David Norris: I am not seeking a discussion of the issues involved, as those outlined by the Cathaoirleach should be confidential. I completely accept that confidentiality should be preserved in that regard. However, if the Leader can go a little further-----

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)

David Norris: As I understand it, the Leader has given an undertaking that the minutes, at least in one area, will be circulated. Will he, at least, go a little further and consider other matters which would be of interest to Members but not prejudice the discussions of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges?

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)

David Norris: I am asking for consideration to be given to further matters, information on which could be safely made available. I am not looking for anything that would prejudice legal cases or put the House in jeopardy. I am not seeking discussions on issue but information on those decisions which may be of interest to Members.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)

David Norris: I am afraid the Leader has backtracked into the Jesuitical business of indicating that the representatives will let us know about such matters. That is not a good answer.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)

David Norris: I ask the Cathaoirleach to raise the issue. If information on further matters can be made available, it should be as we want greater transparency. I agree that An Taisce should be open and above board but so should the Committee on Procedure and Privileges as much as possible.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)

David Norris: I am most grateful. In that case I will not push the matter to a vote.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)

David Norris: No.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)

David Norris: That is a good point.

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Second Stage (26 Jun 2012)

David Norris: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I remember when he was an active participant in this House and a valuable contribute and I congratulate him on his appointment to such a significant post. As he might imagine, I have certain questions about this entire arrangement. I sympathise with him and the gradualist position of the Government, in holding its nerve and incrementally...

Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Second Stage (26 Jun 2012)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: European Communities (Amendment) Bill 2012: Second Stage (26 Jun 2012)

David Norris: I also welcome the Tánaiste to the House. I do not envy him his role in government. It is an especially difficult time for anybody in government and must be very wearying. I am, by nature, a contrarian. I remember P.G. Wodehouse describing himself as a performing flea of English literature. I suppose I fulfil the role of a gadfly in Irish politics. I will not repeat everything I said...

Seanad: European Communities (Amendment) Bill 2012: Second Stage (26 Jun 2012)

David Norris: I see the Senator is dressed in black, which is so appropriate. She has abandoned wearing red; wearing black is more appropriate.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Norris: I refer to phrases such as "tails up" and "ready-up". Is this the civilised debate we will have?

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Norris: What is that noise? Is the Titanic sinking?

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Norris: Senator Mullen's honeyed words put me in mind of the fact that in recent days the Vatican has appointed the Rome correspondent of Fox News, who is also a member of Opus Dei, as their chief spin doctor. I welcome a debate but I remind the House that coating poison with honey does not make it any more palatable. In his very thoughtful speech, Senator Bradford said that the control of language...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Norris: I know a lot about that but I would prefer to leave it to the debate.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Norris: I am asking for a reasoned debate where people's experience is allowed to be placed on the record without the kind of bullying and colonisation of language that has occurred so lamentably previously. There is a great difference between what has been allowed already under our Constitution and the taking by force of a woman who is seven months pregnant and forcibly aborting the child in her...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Norris: It is not in the Senator's nature.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jun 2012)

David Norris: Hear, hear.