Results 10,241-10,260 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) (Amendment) Bill 2013: Report and Final Stages (28 May 2013)

David Norris: Before the Minister of State replies, I would like to clarify that I did not mention my other amendments because they are merely technical provisions to do with the renumbering of subsections.

Seanad: Criminal Justice Bill 2013: Second Stage (28 May 2013)

David Norris: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy McGinley, whom I know will transmit to the Minister whatever ideas are brought forward today. I am a little concerned about the infringement of human and civil liberties contained in part 3. I am not sure how imminent any threat brought on by the G8 summit is. I presume that Britain and Northern Ireland leaned on us to introduce this legislation....

Seanad: Order of Business (28 May 2013)

David Norris: First among equals.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 May 2013)

David Norris: It does not say much for a person's morality if he is prepared to sacrifice what he believes in for a job.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 May 2013)

David Norris: There is more than one church in this country.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 May 2013)

David Norris: Could the Senator enlighten us as to how he knows what another person intended to say?

Seanad: Order of Business (28 May 2013)

David Norris: Well said.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 May 2013)

David Norris: I ask that we continue to have a rolling debate on this very important subject in the context of Irish democracy. We must also, in this House, review our heritage. I say so because, for example, Aldborough House, a very fine 18th century building, is in a disastrous condition and is being vandalised consistently. The taxpayer, every so often, has to move in and spend €100,000 putting...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 May 2013)

David Norris: I thank the Cathaoirleach for that suggestion. I will raise it in that context. Finally, I wish to refer to the new Luas line, which will traverse Nassau Street and Dawson Street. I ask the Leader to contact the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to find out if it is true that the ancient site, St. Patrick's Well, which is accessible through the grounds of Trinity College, may be...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 May 2013)

David Norris: I second Senator Denis O'Donovan's proposed amendment to the Order of Business. I was pleasantly surprised to hear on "Drivetime" about the launch of Democracy Now, which I warmly welcome. A number of current members of this House are part of Democracy Matters, as well as our former colleague, Joe O'Toole. I welcome it warmly and hope it plays a vital role. However, I was a little...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 May 2013)

David Norris: On a point of order, with great respect to my esteemed colleague, I believe the title to the legislation to which he referred was quoted inaccurately. There is no question in the title of abortion. It is the protection of life in pregnancy Bill. I believe the record should show that.

Seanad: Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) (Amendment) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (23 May 2013)

David Norris: I am very glad to see the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, once again ensconced with us. I wish to put on record my gratitude to the Leader of the House. On the Order of Business I made the point that I would be unhappy if the Bill went through all Stages today because I wished to table some amendments for Report Stage. I will indicate these shortly in order that the Minister of...

Seanad: Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) (Amendment) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (23 May 2013)

David Norris: I see. I thank the Acting Chairman. I was misinformed in that case. However, my point survives. I have had things ruled out without explanation. One can sustain an argument that any amendment of any kind will create a cost on the Exchequer because plainly it does, even if one is reduced to saying there is a cost involved in printing the actual amendment. It is nonsense. Let us pass on...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (23 May 2013)

David Norris: I would like to ask about the human trafficking Bill because I disapprove of the practice that is growing of taking all Stages together. Since this will obviously happen I ask the Leader to make sure that it happens as infrequently as possible and if there will be an opportunity to table amendments. It is important that we should be allowed to amend the Bill, particularly in light of organ...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Unlicensed Money-Lending) Bill 2013: Second Stage (22 May 2013)

David Norris: I commend Senator MacSharry on bringing this matter before the House, and I note with satisfaction the presence of the Minister because it is good to have a senior Cabinet Minister with us in Seanad Éireann for this kind of debate. I also welcome the Minister's attitude towards the entire issue of moneylending, one he made clear during the passage of the insolvency legislation, when I...

Seanad: Decade of Centenaries Programme of Commemorations: Statements (22 May 2013)

David Norris: I will take only three minutes. I thank Senator Barrett for so generously sharing his time with me, in particular for allowing me to speak first. I compliment Senator O'Keeffe on putting a human face on these events, which is often a difficult thing to do.

Seanad: Decade of Centenaries Programme of Commemorations: Statements (22 May 2013)

David Norris: I come from a slightly different background to many people in that on my mother's side I come from an old Gaelic Irish family who were comfortable and proud to be British and Irish and saw no contradiction in it.

Seanad: Decade of Centenaries Programme of Commemorations: Statements (22 May 2013)

David Norris: I agree with Senator Mac Conghail that the arts can play a significant role with regard to the 1913 Lock-out. The RTE broadcast of Barry McGovern reading Strumpet City was immensely powerful. I am glad that the Minister has stated that this will be a diverse commemoration. I recall with horror the 1966 celebration, which was a grotesque, triumphalist celebration from which anybody who was...

Seanad: Decade of Centenaries Programme of Commemorations: Statements (22 May 2013)

David Norris: -----not only because of the anniversary of the Civil War but because it will be the 100th anniversary of the Seanad. It would be damaging for our entire cultural and political life if the Seanad were abolished.

Seanad: Decade of Centenaries Programme of Commemorations: Statements (22 May 2013)

David Norris: Reference was made to President Michael D. Higgins. This House was good enough for our current President, former President Mary Robinson, who was one of our greatest Presidents and should be good enough for the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, also. I am inspired by my good friend, Senator Paul Coghlan. I was too bashful to mention the Fitzpatrick-Mac Giolla Phádraig families. In terms of...