Results 8,201-8,220 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

David Norris: Eight, nine, ten, eleven. Oh, what a pity.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

David Norris: The Senator's words are exquisitely riveting---

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

David Norris: But it written after 1916.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

David Norris: That was Alice in Wonderland.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

David Norris: Yes.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

David Norris: The Minister and others have said that nobody in either House - not a single person - has ever spoken in favour of privatisation. The Minister heard two people doing so yesterday. Regardless of how one looks at this issue, one cannot deny that Senators Quinn and White said clearly that it would be a good idea to discuss it and that we should not be closed to it. There is the Minister's...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

David Norris: Yes, all right. I understand, although I cannot verify it, that my good friend, the greatly admired Senator O'Donnell, had dinner with the Taoiseach the night before. I hope the price of her conscience was more than a plate of chips. I hope that when she wrestles with her conscience on this occasion, her conscience will win. I have to say directly to you, Senator, you made-----

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

David Norris: Through the Chair, I wish to say that Senator O'Donnell made a most thrilling, passionate and informed speech about water. I really took her seriously. I think the plaintive note in her voice today suggests that a little bit of a struggle is still going on. I look forward to the successful outcome of that struggle.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

David Norris: I could always try.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

David Norris: I strongly support the amendment tabled by my colleague, Senator Barrett. It is notable that it is the only one of the first four amendments to have survived, with the other three ruled out of order because they make reference to referendums, which is precluded under the Constitution. There is no reason the Seanad should not be able to move an amendment on a referendum. That is what the...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

David Norris: Yes; the Minister can blow his nose in peace.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

David Norris: Not at all. It is the season of goodwill, jolly ho-ho, rum, raisins, holly berries, mistletoe and the rest of that jazz. A previous Minister - I cannot remember which one - took up very strongly my point that it is idiotic that Members of the Seanad and Dáil cannot move a resolution that creates a charge on the Exchequer. I urge the Government to examine this issue. Given its taste...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

David Norris: I compliment him on stating from his first day as Minister that there will not be any reduction in or cessation of the supply of water to dwellings or individuals. Not only is it outrageous, in a democracy, to cut off a person's water supply, but it is also outrageous to cut off someone's gas or electricity supply, particularly given the parlous state of the country. Subsection (11)...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2014)

David Norris: It was indeed and I reject the Leader's comments absolutely. I am glad I did not wish him a happy new year.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2014)

David Norris: Yes, the Leader does want to do so. He is just too gutless.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2014)

David Norris: He is entitled to comment if he likes, just like Senator Leyden.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2014)

David Norris: We are going to have to repeal it.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2014)

David Norris: The House let itself down badly last night. This House was saved in order to represent the voice of the Irish people. I recognise that the Government legitimately used the whip but I regret that the so-called Enda-pendents, as well as one of my own colleagues, chose to vote in the way they did. This happened previously, when a Government was saved by one vote from this side. This House is...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Second Stage (Resumed) (18 Dec 2014)

David Norris: That is €8 million in waste. There were many contributions to the debate and I accept absolutely the bona fides of the contributors. I hope Senators will also accept what I said at the beginning of my contribution about the way I treat this House, no matter how anyone else treats it. These are my initial thoughts on the themes and issues referenced in the debate. I look forward to...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Second Stage (Resumed) (18 Dec 2014)

David Norris: You mean you will bring it back to the Dáil? I do not believe it.