Results 6,881-6,900 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

David Norris: That is all I have to say. I doubt if the slightest notion will be taken of it because we can always rely on political parties to hang on like grim death to power and they will not give up any control they have without an avalanche.

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

David Norris: I remain calm and eminently rational.

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

David Norris: The Senator should give her reasons.

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

David Norris: On what grounds does the Senator take exception?

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

David Norris: She is not entitled to attack me and will not give her reasons.

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

David Norris: I do not acknowledge all of my illegitimate children.

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Nov 2015)

David Norris: I congratulate our colleague, Senator Barrett, on his performance on the "News at One". The outline he gave of the current status of the banking inquiry was extremely enlightening for listeners. I am glad he drew a parallel between the possible amendment of the report by the sub-committee and the very numerous amendments that are carried through by this House. He has helped the public to...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Nov 2015)

David Norris: Senator Bacik can say it anywhere she likes.

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2015: Second Stage (24 Nov 2015)

David Norris: I welcome the Minister to the House. I do not envy his job, which is a tough one, but I propose to make it a little tougher for him this evening. I will begin by dealing with the welcome elements of his speech. I welcome the fact these measures are generally weighted towards the lower paid which is the way it should be. They suffered most, proportionately, and they should be the first...

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2015: Second Stage (24 Nov 2015)

David Norris: Yes, imagine that. There is no need for the Minister to be cynical about it. I know about this because I lectured very successfully in the University of Dublin in the past. While 18 hours might not sound like a lot, one must bear in mind the research one must do, as well as the preparation of lectures. The 18 hours only refers to actual lecturing in lecture halls. On top of that work,...

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2015: Second Stage (24 Nov 2015)

David Norris: The Minister does mumble. He may not realise it but he does. To return to the issue of lecturing hours, the international norm is between eight and ten hours per week. Since the recession began, funding for the institutes of technology has been cut by 32% and lecturer numbers have fallen by 10%, while student numbers have increased by over 20%. This is a really serious problem. I...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2015)

David Norris: I have pointed out on a number of occasions the way in which business in the House is unravelling. On the commencement of the Order of Business, 12 Senators were present, although the figure has since increased to approximately 15. There is not much point in trying to do something before the election, but we should address the issue after the election. I note that No. 3, the Government's...

Seanad: National Cultural Institutions (National Concert Hall) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) (19 Nov 2015)

David Norris: Subsection (1) states that the National Concert Hall can accept gifts of money, land and property etc. Subsection (2) states that it "shall not accept gifts of land without the consent of the Minister". What is so special about land that it is isolated and the permission of the Minister is needed to accept a gift of land?

Seanad: National Cultural Institutions (National Concert Hall) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) (19 Nov 2015)

David Norris: With strings attached.

Seanad: National Cultural Institutions (National Concert Hall) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) (19 Nov 2015)

David Norris: Section 39 is completely irrelevant to the Bill. I have already made this point and I will not labour it but the Irish Film Board has nothing whatsoever to do with the National Concert Hall and it has just been stuck into this section. I would have preferred if there had been a separate Bill for looking at the film industry in its entirety and the Irish Film Board.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2015)

David Norris: Without reflecting in any sense on the legitimacy of the recent by-election under the existing rules, that a person of any kind can be elected to a national parliament by an electorate of 200 votes is a real reproach to democracy and highlights the fact the whole Seanad apparatus needs to be reformed. Nothing has been done since we rescued the Seanad from oblivion. So much has been said...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2015)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2015)

David Norris: There is a big difference between 60,000 voters and 200 voters.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Nov 2015)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Nov 2015)

David Norris: I would also like a debate on traffic. The traffic management in this city is chaotic and catastrophic. I cannot get from where I live to the House without going all around the world. One cannot go around College Green anymore but must go up to St. Stephen's Green and it is impossible. There is no taking into account at all of the fact that people live in the inner city. They are...