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

Seanad: Housing Grants: Motion. (20 Nov 2002)

David Norris: It is a pleasure to welcome the Minister to the House because, of the two brothers, I have nice things to say to him; I had to be a little firm with his one of his brothers today. It is a pleasure because of the reasonable and balanced nature of what he had to say. Although I sit on this side of the House, he and the other contributors on the Government side convinced me of their argument...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Nov 2002)

David Norris: I am surprised Senator O'Meara left out of the Book of Revelation in her recital of various books. I am glad that attention has again been drawn to motion No. 13. I know there is a certain amount of amusement and gamesmanship involved here but it is a very important issue. I am not sure that it will come up clearly. It gives the House another opportunity, which I hope the Leader will avail...

Seanad: Rail Services and Related Transport Matters: Statements. (14 Nov 2002)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Rail Services and Related Transport Matters: Statements. (14 Nov 2002)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Rail Services and Related Transport Matters: Statements. (14 Nov 2002)

David Norris: It had originally been intended that I should share my time with Senator O'Toole and he was to speak first. However, he has a series of meetings to attend but if he does manage to get back, perhaps the House would be kind enough to indulge me at that point in asking that he be allowed to take up whatever time is remaining.

Seanad: Rail Services and Related Transport Matters: Statements. (14 Nov 2002)

David Norris: It may allow more time for other speakers because I do not believe I will take up the full 15 minutes, although I always feel that and then I find that my vapid thoughts expand, like all gases, to occupy the relevant space. I welcome the Minister to the House. This is a very useful place in which to have such a debate, particularly with the Minister present. There are a number of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Nov 2002)

David Norris: I would be very sorry to feel that this drastic situation with regard to songbirds was true. It is a very important issue. I am glad to be able to report the dawn chorus is still alive and well, including bullfinches, in North Great George's Street.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Nov 2002)

David Norris: I support my colleagues with regard to the schools building programme, but cuts will be necessary throughout the Government's programme and I do not envy the Government in its task because any cut it makes will elicit criticism. What this House really needs to do, with the special expertise of people like my colleague Senator O'Toole, is help target those cuts and make sure money is spent in...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Nov 2002)

David Norris: That is what gives it its interest and it calls on the Minister for Transport to indicate the reason the level of the roadway at the tunnel is not being lowered to accommodate the super trucks. A debate in this House would be useful to extract hard, solid information with regard to this controversial area. We saw various interested parties and it seems to be very difficult to get at the...

Seanad: Lindsay Tribunal Report: Motion. (13 Nov 2002)

David Norris: I have but a few remarks to make because the matter has been rehearsed widely. I am also not the best qualified Member in my group to speak on this matter. If my companion who is a medical doctor comes to the House, I will seek permission to share time with her because her knowledge is considerably greater than mine, as I know from previous experience. I welcome the Minister's speech which...

Seanad: Lindsay Tribunal Report: Motion. (13 Nov 2002)

David Norris: I see. Then that is a significant point to make.

Seanad: Lindsay Tribunal Report: Motion. (13 Nov 2002)

David Norris: I got a copy from the Oireachtas Library, the library staff acting with their usual efficiency. While I welcome what the Minister has to say, I find it more difficult to welcome the Lindsay report, which is weak in a number of aspects. Two fairly similar and fundamental questions need to be asked, arising from this tragic situation. First, did medical personnel continue the use of infected...

Seanad: Community Employment Schemes: Motion. (13 Nov 2002)

David Norris: I am happy to welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Fahey, to the House. I am glad that he is the person with direct responsibility in this area. While I agree with him on the issue of volunteerism, I do not think the clock can be turned back – that day is gone. I hope the element of volunteerism will always be in the Irish character. I have quiet a lot of experience in this area. I was...

Seanad: Community Employment Schemes: Motion. (13 Nov 2002)

David Norris: Would it not be a pity if we lost the staff looking after it?

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (12 Nov 2002)

David Norris: I have been asked by my Independent colleagues to speak on their behalf in memory of the former Senator, Richard Hourigan. I do so with sadness because I was unaware of his illness and impending demise. Unlike the last two speakers, I had the privilege of knowing Richard Hourigan. He was a most delightful and charming man and represented the best of the Fine Gael tradition. Like everybody...

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (12 Nov 2002)

David Norris: Here was somebody, however, who came through on the Agricultural Panel and was also an authority on agriculture. This is the way to use the somewhat convoluted electoral system of the House. I, for one, am glad that it brought Mr. Hourigan here so that we on the backbenches could share in the warmth of his companionship.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Nov 2002)

David Norris: Will the Leader ascertain from the Government when the new civil registration Bill will be presented to the House? Like other Members, I receive the newsletter of the Genealogical Society of Ireland. The headline on the editorial in this month's edition is "Where is the new Civil Registration Bill". The editorial continues, "On the tenth anniversary of the birth of the Roscommon experiment...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Nov 2002)

David Norris: That was a rather lively little spat. By comparison I expect I shall appear unusually well behaved.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Nov 2002)

David Norris: I do. I congratulate the Leader on her sterling performance on "Today with Pat Kenny" regarding the transport system. My understanding is that Luas will be delayed by three months, which is quite understandable, but it is important that it commences by mid-2004, as there will be an immense influx of tourists from all over the world to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Bloomsday. We have to...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Nov 2002)

David Norris: I am supporting it strongly. It is important that this House takes cognisance of the fact and sends a signal to the Spanish that, having been kicked out of Moroccan waters which they overfished, having exhausted their own fish stocks—