Results 10,821-10,840 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Taxi Regulation Bill 2012: Second Stage (23 Jan 2013)

David Norris: I would like to share time with Senator Feargal Quinn.

Seanad: Taxi Regulation Bill 2012: Second Stage (23 Jan 2013)

David Norris: I welcome this Bill. The Minister of State in his opening remarks described it as a defining year for the taxi industry. It may be; it is certainly about time. It has been a complete and absolute mess and a large part of that mess comes from the Government and regulators. I remember speaking in this House on the question of the nine-year rule where taxi drivers were forced to get rid of...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Jan 2013)

David Norris: The Leader might have intended to give me some information about Private Members' business.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Jan 2013)

David Norris: Hear, hear. Two privacy Bills have been drawn up - my Bill and the Government's Bill. The Senator could push his own party on this legislation.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Jan 2013)

David Norris: It is not an exact science.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Jan 2013)

David Norris: The value of a house is its price on the day of the auction - nothing else.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Jan 2013)

David Norris: Will the Leader give an indication of when he would be prepared to take No. 36, motion 12, which is about the devastating war in the Congo? He indicated that he believed there was a possibility to put forward and pass an all-party motion early in this session. The motion has also gone through the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade. I add my voice to those who have raised the issue...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2013)

David Norris: Yes, but I am making the point which must be made in defence of the Judiciary-----

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2013)

David Norris: -----that what has happened repeatedly is that sentences have been found to be too severe and returned on appeal when they have either been reduced or quashed. That is what we are dealing with. To blame the judge is utterly wrong and it is not a function of this House.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2013)

David Norris: I say this as someone who has consistently spoken out on issues of child abuse and incest and all the rest of it. However, we do not do a service if we do not face the facts and if we let ourselves be driven by tabloid headlines. That is why the Judiciary deserves respect and, at the very least, to have its judgments examined and looked at dispassionately, not simply taken up from a...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2013)

David Norris: I was very taken by the fact that President Obama, for the first time, used the word "gay" in an inaugural speech. He also spoke about gay marriage. It is significant that an Irish priest has been silenced-----

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2013)

David Norris: -----and is about to be excommunicated for daring to raise questions. All we hear about is respectful dialogue. However, the agents of a curious state which, like the point in geometry, has a location but no dimension are attempting to force him, as happened during the Inquisition, to recant and violate his own conscience. How about that for bullying?

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2013)

David Norris: I strongly support calls for a debate on sentencing. It would be very interesting to consider the possibility of an independent sentencing committee but my colleagues should be very careful before being driven by sensational tabloid newspaper headlines. It is very unfair to the Judiciary and victims. The young woman in this case showed extraordinary courage in the most appalling...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2013)

David Norris: The judge made his reasons very clear.

Seanad: Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (20 Dec 2012)

David Norris: Those on low incomes.

Seanad: Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (20 Dec 2012)

David Norris: I want to make a brief contribution. Recently, I received a briefing on this issue from groups representing the voluntary housing associations. The Minister said his reasoning was that he wished to ensure an equitable regime. There are voluntary housing projects and there is accommodation for people with special needs. I doubt anyone would resent that. In fact, I took the trouble to...

Seanad: Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (20 Dec 2012)

David Norris: Yes, but the representation that was made to me suggested that this would cause some disquiet where the housing type was the same. I do not know if that is the case, but it is welcome that the Minister has indicated he will look at these matters again. I will pass on the submission I received in case he has not already been given it. It may well be that he has. Voluntary housing...

Seanad: Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (20 Dec 2012)

David Norris: Those on low incomes.

Seanad: Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (20 Dec 2012)

David Norris: Splendid. I thank the Minister.

Seanad: Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (20 Dec 2012)

David Norris: The Minister is coming across as very reasonable indeed. There is a dialogue going on and that is very valuable. There are people at a critical stage and we all recognise that. The Minister has indicated the sensitivities in this area as well. There are people who have a certain amount of money. Then there are people who have a great deal of money, apparently. I gather the Prada...