Results 1,741-1,760 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (21 Apr 2005)

David Norris: People who cause a fracas and consequently cause danger and risk to other seriously ill patients should be arrested and charged.

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (21 Apr 2005)

David Norris: I have damn-all sympathy for them. There is a question of our own behaviour as citizens. The health service has changed. I listened to the Tánaiste on the monitor in my office and she mentioned the time when one used to ring up and ask which hospital was on call. It would have been either the Mater Hospital or St. Vincent's Hospital, in the north and south of the city. Now there are six...

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (21 Apr 2005)

David Norris: The Minister of State stole my point but he is very welcome to it. It shows that he is on the ball. To think that one in four citizens visits accident and emergency departments is, to quote Seán O'Casey, "unnatural". Something must be amiss for there to be so many people visiting accident and emergency departments. One of the reasons for it is the way the entire system is structured. When I...

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (21 Apr 2005)

David Norris: I remember within approximately three weeks of the Tánaiste assuming the post of Minister for Health and Children, she was questioned very aggressively about why there were still flaws in the health service. The problems facing the health service will not be solved instantly and easily. It will take time to seriously tackle these problems. While we are correct in monitoring the Minister's...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Apr 2005)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Apr 2005)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Apr 2005)

David Norris: I wish to comment briefly on two matters raised by Senator Ross. The Senator is correct and with the help of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, we could have a question and answer session with a Minister instead of a speech. I have protested on many occasions when Ministers talk for a lot longer than any individual contributor in the House would be permitted to — Ministers are not...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Apr 2005)

David Norris: I accept that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Apr 2005)

David Norris: I am very glad to say that the Cathaoirleach is definitely a latitudinarian in these matters, but it is wrong and unfair. It would be much more efficient to have a question and answer session. Often Ministers simply read a prepared script, which may or may not address the main issues of the motion, or may seek politically to evade them. A script cannot possibly address the arguments raised...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Apr 2005)

David Norris: Yes, I have and will move on to that very quickly. I hope the Leader will raise these concerns with the Minister. Will she give some indication when No. 19, motion 6 on the Order Paper in the names of Senators Norris, Ross and Henry will be raised? It is about overseas development aid. The Leader and I were at a very interesting meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. Once again,...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (4 May 2005)

David Norris: I also welcome the Members of the House of Keys, which is referred to in James Joyce's Ulysses. I join with Senator Brian Hayes in expressing concern about the special needs assistants being let go. This is extraordinary as there is a need for these people. It should not be beyond the wit of the Department to redeploy them rather than getting rid of them and then rehiring them or others. I...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (4 May 2005)

David Norris: I have raised the issue of Dublin hospitals' accident and emergency units in the House a number of times. A situation occurred last week in which St. James's Hospital received unjustified criticism. An elderly man who should have known better turned up in the hospital's accident and emergency department and was extremely abusive, obstructive and violent. He then proceeded to urinate on the...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (4 May 2005)

David Norris: These people should be subject to an automatic fine of €200 when they recover with a thick head in the morning.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (4 May 2005)

David Norris: More like Florence and Zebedee — it is time for bed.

Seanad: Immigrant Workers: Motion. (4 May 2005)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Immigrant Workers: Motion. (4 May 2005)

David Norris: This is an extraordinary situation. I grew up in a time of mass emigration. Now we have an inflow of workers into the country. It is an indication of economic health. It is also driven by globalisation and market-driven. It is not altruism on the part of Ireland. The Minister says the work permits system has readily facilitated the change of employment of the migrant worker. I do not believe...

Seanad: Immigrant Workers: Motion. (4 May 2005)

David Norris: Can we expand the time allowed a little?

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 May 2005)

David Norris: They should be charged €200 to get out.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 May 2005)

David Norris: In the light of the welcome and positive reports that appeared in the newspapers today about the Cabinet proposals for a €20 billion transport initiative over the next few years, which will include a metro with a link to Dublin Airport and on to Swords, I ask the Leader for a debate on this important subject. It is necessary for the House to give support because the idea for the metro came...

Seanad: Request to Move Adjournment of Seanad under Standing Order 29. (5 May 2005)

David Norris: I am not surprised.