Results 6,181-6,200 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Mental Health Services Provision (21 Jun 2016)

David Norris: The Cathaoirleach was very gracious. The Minister of State is extremely welcome. On a point of order, is it not a bit unusual that there are no civil servants as well?

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Mental Health Services Provision (21 Jun 2016)

David Norris: I cannot remember a situation where a Minister has defended a point on her own.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Mental Health Services Provision (21 Jun 2016)

David Norris: That is new. I was just curious.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jun 2016)

David Norris: The issue I wish to raise is bin charges. The major mistake made was providing for privatisation. It was an absolute disaster. We all know what happened in Italy. The Mafia controls the collection of rubbish. What did we see happen here? A while ago we had bin companies attack the lorries of others and burn them out in car parks. That is pretty close to the activities of the Mafia....

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2016)

David Norris: I sound a warning about reform of the Seanad. I heard this morning about the question of European Union scrutiny. At our small meeting, I warned about this as it is extremely dangerous. People are given the impression that the legislation of the European Union will be scrutinised without it being clearly defined. There is an enormous amount of material spewed out every week from Europe so...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Jun 2016)

David Norris: I wish to add my voice to the congratulations to your good self, a Chathaoirligh. I think you will be an excellent Cathaoirleach. I refer to the situation in Orlando. It is quite clear that this was a hate crime. The people targeted were overwhelmingly gay latino men. It seems that Mr. Mateen was a troubled person. He had expressed violent views on gay people and was very negative...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Jun 2016)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Seanad Reform Bill 2014: First Stage (15 Jun 2016)

David Norris: It is just a formal date.

Seanad: Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach (15 Jun 2016)

David Norris: Not so. What about Tras Honan?

Seanad: Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach (15 Jun 2016)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Poverty and Homelessness: Motion (15 Jun 2016)

David Norris: Bravo.

Seanad: Poverty and Homelessness: Motion (15 Jun 2016)

David Norris: I congratulate the Leas-Chathaoirleach on his elevation today to his distinguished position. It is an indication of the relevance of Seanad Éireann that on our first real working day we confront one of the major social issues facing the country. I very much welcome the return of Senator Paudie Coffey to the House following his ministerial experience. He has just given a commanding...

Seanad: Poverty and Homelessness: Motion (15 Jun 2016)

David Norris: That would be very good-----

Seanad: Poverty and Homelessness: Motion (15 Jun 2016)

David Norris: It would be good if we could reach agreement because it would be good if the entire Seanad could support a motion on behalf of people who are at the cutting edge of poverty, misery and deprivation. I urge those involved, the Whips and others, to get together to see if we can negotiate an arrangement whereby we will not have a vote on this matter. There really is a homelessness crisis. I...

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach (8 Jun 2016)

David Norris: Ladies and gentlemen and fellow Senators, it is, first of all, my great pleasure and honour to welcome you to this magnificent Chamber. It is a privilege to work in a place of such aesthetic beauty and I hope that it will not be too long before the necessary repairs are completed and Seanad Éireann can return permanently to its proper home. When I was elected some 30 years ago, this...

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach (8 Jun 2016)

David Norris: -----but because of his loyalty to this House when his party tried to suppress it. No attempt was made by Fine Gael to come to his aid. My colleague, Dr. Sean Barrett, was unequivocally the best Member of the Senate. Many amendments in his name were successfully passed. He introduced a number of excellent legislative proposals and was an important and diligent member of the Joint...

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach (8 Jun 2016)

David Norris: There is virtually unanimous agreement that reform is necessary but will we get it? At present, the party system has the Senate in thrall and it is highly unusual for political parties to yield power. According to the Fianna Fáil leader, Deputy Micheál Martin, as reported in The Irish Timeson Saturday, 7 May:First of all, the Oireachtas needs to be freed from the absolute control...

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach (8 Jun 2016)

David Norris: The Senator is very quick off his feet. I have not finished speaking yet. I will accept a proposer and seconder for any Member for election as Cathaoirleach. The first Member on his feet was Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh.

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach (8 Jun 2016)

David Norris: I will wait until the single hand stops applauding. Is there a seconder for the nomination?

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach (8 Jun 2016)

David Norris: I thank Senator Ó Donnghaile. It is a little bit parochial of me but I would like to point out that the university constituencies accept voters from Northern Ireland.