Results 11,301-11,320 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Presidential Nominations: Motion (18 Jul 2012)

David Norris: I also referred to the clearly demonstrated public support. I did not say that it was unanimous but it was very clear that there was a considerable interest in the matter. I shall return to the amendment. I welcome the fact that Senator Gilroy approved of certain aspects despite giving himself some camouflage by picking holes in the language. I would be happy to joust with him on that...

Seanad: Presidential Nominations: Motion (18 Jul 2012)

David Norris: It was very clear the political parties did everything they possibly could to inhibit this and they attempted to secure the nomination of an agreed candidate.

Seanad: Presidential Nominations: Motion (18 Jul 2012)

David Norris: The question of the constitutional convention was raised. There is a real contradiction. We were told we had missed the boat but we could still throw in this topic for consideration by the constitutional convention. Many people avoided the real issues. I am not referring to myself. I am not aggrieved by any of the political side of things. Certainly, I have an issue with the media and I...

Seanad: Presidential Nominations: Motion (18 Jul 2012)

David Norris: This is a scandal and a disgrace. I am astonished that anybody can stand over it. In America, they like to say that anybody could be President of America. One can if one can buy it. It is going that way in this country too. I am not making any retrospective claims for myself. In the future why should standing for office be a matter of how much money one has? Why should people from...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Jul 2012)

David Norris: That is wrong. The Senator is inaccurate.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Jul 2012)

David Norris: The Senator should listen-----

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Jul 2012)

David Norris: I respectfully disagree with my colleague, Senator Zappone. The way the business was organised we would not have had time. This House was lied to because we were told the Tánaiste was not available. He was then made available when it suited him.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Jul 2012)

David Norris: Will the Leader pass on my congratulations to the Government on the firm stance it has taken with regard to the tragic case of the McAreavey and Harte families? I cannot comprehend how appalling it must be to have this pain continually re-opened in the way it has been, particularly the sensationalising of the case in a newspaper in Mauritius. I welcome the strong line the Government has...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Jul 2012)

David Norris: How shocking. Oh dear.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Jul 2012)

David Norris: I thank the Leader.

Seanad: Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Bill 2011: Second Stage (13 Jul 2012)

David Norris: I think it appropriate to defer to my colleague, Senator Sean Barrett, who has a professional expertise in this area. In doing so, I assume I will have an opportunity to contribute later.

Seanad: Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Bill 2011: Second Stage (13 Jul 2012)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Bill 2011: Second Stage (13 Jul 2012)

David Norris: It is called the Constitution, I believe.

Seanad: Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Bill 2011: Second Stage (13 Jul 2012)

David Norris: That would be very popular with the voters. I would not say it would be against the Senator's interests at all.

Seanad: Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Bill 2011: Second Stage (13 Jul 2012)

David Norris: I also welcome the Minister to the House and thank him for his very clear speech. Unfortunately, I did not have the privilege of hearing it, but I have read it. The cardinal points are raising the minimum public service pension age, increasing the rate of pension contributions, modifying the earnings-linking of pensions, adjusting or abolishing fast accrual terms and moving to the...

Seanad: Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Bill 2011: Second Stage (13 Jul 2012)

David Norris: Just as with the question of climate, my view is that the events we have witnessed are likely to become more frequent and more catastrophic. I find it very difficult to welcome the fact that we have been enabled to borrow significantly more money. We need a radical reappraisal of the entire system. However, we must deal with the system as we have it and one must be pragmatic. Within such...

Seanad: Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Bill 2011: Second Stage (13 Jul 2012)

David Norris: However, the additional voluntary contributions, AVCs, should be accessible. That would be welcome because such payments are made voluntarily, as an attempt to gain extra years or an additional pension and there should be an element of option involved. I speak with some feeling on this because I paid AVCs over a number of years. When the crash happened, I tried to take them out but was...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2012)

David Norris: Under Standing Order 62(3)(b) I request that the division be taken again other than by electronic means.

Seanad: Sittings of Seanad: Motion (12 Jul 2012)

David Norris: Under Standing Order 62(3)(b) I request that the division be taken again other than by electronic means.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (12 Jul 2012)

David Norris: The Leader misled the House. He told us the Tánaiste was not able to be present.