Results 11,481-11,500 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris
- Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Second Stage (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I remember when he was an active participant in this House and a valuable contribute and I congratulate him on his appointment to such a significant post. As he might imagine, I have certain questions about this entire arrangement. I sympathise with him and the gradualist position of the Government, in holding its nerve and incrementally...
- Seanad: European Stability Mechanism Bill 2012: Second Stage (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: Hear, hear.
- Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: I would be happy if the Leader could give a commitment on a decision-----
- Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: The Leader has very graciously gone a considerable way towards meeting my concerns. Perhaps he might go a little further and allow us to see the decisions which are not of a controversial or legal nature. Perhaps he might circulate decisions which he has been advised do not have legal implications. If he does this, I will happily withdraw the amendment.
- Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: I am not seeking a discussion of the issues involved, as those outlined by the Cathaoirleach should be confidential. I completely accept that confidentiality should be preserved in that regard. However, if the Leader can go a little further-----
- Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: As I understand it, the Leader has given an undertaking that the minutes, at least in one area, will be circulated. Will he, at least, go a little further and consider other matters which would be of interest to Members but not prejudice the discussions of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges?
- Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: I am asking for consideration to be given to further matters, information on which could be safely made available. I am not looking for anything that would prejudice legal cases or put the House in jeopardy. I am not seeking discussions on issue but information on those decisions which may be of interest to Members.
- Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: I am afraid the Leader has backtracked into the Jesuitical business of indicating that the representatives will let us know about such matters. That is not a good answer.
- Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: I ask the Cathaoirleach to raise the issue. If information on further matters can be made available, it should be as we want greater transparency. I agree that An Taisce should be open and above board but so should the Committee on Procedure and Privileges as much as possible.
- Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: I am most grateful. In that case I will not push the matter to a vote.
- Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: No.
- Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: That is a good point.
- Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: The Senator's stance on socialism-----
- Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that the minutes of meetings of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges be circulated. I am interested in its decisions. I assume that what is minuted by it is its decisions. We are all entitled to know what decisions are taken in our name by a body on our behalf. However, this has not happened and it is an abuse of democracy. I have good...
- Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: I thank the Cathaoirleach. I appreciate his help. The more important matter is the significant discussion that was held here. Leading academics and commentators from all over the world were invited to this Chamber. I welcomed them here. It was an interesting, lively and informed discussion. I compliment the Members of the Seanad who were either invited or participated spontaneously from...
- Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: Dr. Manning was the Fine Gael leader in this House. It is interesting that, although he is a diplomatic person and did not come into direct conflict with the Government, he raised some worrying issues. He made the suggestion that there is a gradual move to absorb the Irish Human Rights Commission into a Department and not to respect that distance that must exist between human rights...
- Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: I am asking when this Bill will be taken in the House because we need to discuss it because of the disgraceful material contained in it. Head 17(5) states: "The first Director of the Commission shall be the person who on the day prior to the establishment day is the Chief Executive of the Equality Authority and her contract". One should note the words, "her contract". The Government is...
- Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: I would like to know where the principles of those on the Government side are. Why have the parties in government changed since they have gone into government?
- Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: When in opposition, they attacked this corruption of independent bodies.
- Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)
David Norris: One of their own, the former Fine Gael Leader of this House-----