Results 12,401-12,420 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2011)

David Norris: And peerages.

Seanad: Fiscal Responsibility (Statement) Bill 2011: Second Stage (14 Dec 2011)

David Norris: I am pleased to welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Hayes, back to a House where he was a clear and concise performer whose contributions to debate I remember well. I would like to join in the accolades to my colleague Senator Barrett, who is not a Member of the Opposition but a Member of the Independent group. It is a pity that Senator Sheahan could not resist the opportunity to score a...

Seanad: Fiscal Responsibility (Statement) Bill 2011: Second Stage (14 Dec 2011)

David Norris: Yes, but it was unnecessary because the situation is far too serious and I know the Senator is a serious man with a clear view on the issue. I share Senator Sheahan's regret regarding Senator Barrett. I greatly regret that Senator Barrett was not elected to the Seanad at least ten years ago. If somebody of his clarity of vision, expertise and technical competence had been elected, those...

Seanad: Fiscal Responsibility (Statement) Bill 2011: Second Stage (14 Dec 2011)

David Norris: If obligations are imposed upon us from outside and by institutions outside of the State, without the democratic consent of the people, and we are left paying the bills of other people, we should certainly negotiate. I think what Senator Quinn's father was suggesting was that while one should pay one's bill, one should not pay everything that is demanded by a bully. Rather, one should...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2011)

David Norris: I would like to ask for a debate on values. We start every day here with a prayer and the Constitution invokes the central mysteries of the Christian religion. People are sometimes diffident about this and every year we hear that in certain places Christmas trees are found objectionable, although I have never heard any Muslim, Jewish person or Buddhist object to them. I object strongly,...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2011)

David Norris: We had here yesterday a Minister from a party that at one stage had some socialist leanings who seemed in at least one statement to epitomise the most ruthless form of capitalism, saying that people should receive in proportion to what they put in. There is a mysterious text in the Bible, "For he that hath, to him shall be given, and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2011)

David Norris: We have an opportunity to stand up and on the budgetary matters, we should look at this and stand not for parties but for the people or Ireland and strike a blow, because it is our constitutional responsibility to revise legislation if it is not satisfactory, if it conflicts with the values of the Irish people. It is our moral responsibility, each and every one of use, whether we are members...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2011)

David Norris: Yes, I am calling for a debate on the values that lie beneath what is happening in this country. I do not think they should be commercialised. I was horrified to learn the largest selling game in history is a violent war game that is sold at Christmas. What are our values? Are we Christians? I have previously expressed reservations about the prayer not because I am anti-religious but...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2011)

David Norris: No, it would be the "Ballad of Joe Hill".

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Second Stage (13 Dec 2011)

David Norris: I think it more appropriate to extend sympathy to the Minister than to welcome her to the House, although I accept that she has fought a sterling battle in this area. The title of her Department is a misnomer. It has not acted in terms of social protection but in terms of social devastation. I am reminded of the United Nations designation of areas as "safe zones" during the Balkan war....

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Second Stage (13 Dec 2011)

David Norris: I am grateful for the Chair's indulgence and I apologise for being greedy.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Second Stage (13 Dec 2011)

David Norris: On a point of order, the Minister's speech indicates a figure of €500 million. Has there been an adjustment of €200 million since the speech was printed?

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Second Stage (13 Dec 2011)

David Norris: Why not?

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Second Stage (13 Dec 2011)

David Norris: I have and I got away with it.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Second Stage (13 Dec 2011)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Second Stage (13 Dec 2011)

David Norris: With the agreement of the House I will share three minutes of my time with Senator Feargal Quinn.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2011)

David Norris: I am glad Senator Bacik raised the question of appointments in Europe and referred her concern to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. It is an appropriate concern but it is also appropriate to express concern about the way in which the appointment of the Irish representative to the European Court of Auditors is being made. I am not sure if it has been confirmed...

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011 - Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Dec 2011)

David Norris: In general I support the amendment because it deals with the weakest people in society. A certain point has been made about the disability allowance and so forth. A challenge was made by my distinguished colleague, Senator Keane, who stated we all know who is responsible. That is rather simplistic. I agree there was a clear implication that various Governments played a significant role in...

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011 - Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Dec 2011)

David Norris: When we say we all know who is responsible there is no question or doubt that there is clear responsibility on the part of certain Governments. However, the problem is wider than that as the catastrophe we are facing did not originate in this country. It was facilitated by foolish Governments but responsibility rests with the entire rotten system which is on the point of collapse.

Seanad: Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011 - Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Dec 2011)

David Norris: Senator Keane made a reasonable point that the Government may be more inclined to address this issue if alternative sources of funding could be found. I have a proposal in this regard. I suggest an end to the automatic entitlements to an increment in the public service. As people have not yet been given their increment, withdrawing it would not take money out of their pockets and would not...