Results 12,801-12,820 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jan 2011)

David Norris: I think the show used a photograph of the Taoiseach.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2010)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2010)

David Norris: Great expectations.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2010)

David Norris: There is good news which we should celebrate. It is a remarkable tribute to those who have kept their heads down during this difficult period in industry and created these excellent export figures. I appeal to everybody to consider taking the same view as me on the following matter. I will never quote without criticism the ratings agencies which are morally and intellectually bankrupt and...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2010)

David Norris: -----which have done damage and are not worth a tuppenny damn. Will the Leader examine the crisis in the equine industry in the treatment of horses? The number of abandoned and mistreated horses referred to the DSPCA has increased from 26 in 2008 to 112 this year, 50% of which have to be humanely euthanised. This is a very significant problem which has been written about in the...

Seanad: School Staffing (17 Dec 2010)

David Norris: I welcome the Minister. I am relieved to have made it to the House by the skin of my teeth. I was at an educational establishment, St. Patrick's Cathedral Choir and Grammar School, which dates back in some ways to 1432. I thank the staff of the House with whom I kept in contact by telephone and who were exceedingly helpful, as they always are. The matter I raise refers to a special school...

Seanad: School Staffing (17 Dec 2010)

David Norris: I thank the Minister for that welcome news. It seems to be very positive and I am sure it will provide considerable reassurance for those members of staff and the parents who have been in touch with me. Is it possible to keep us informed of progress? I am glad to hear interviews are being conducted today and that there will be fully qualified, professional teachers. That is an excellent...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Dec 2010)

David Norris: Senator Leyden has placed very significant news on the record of the House. This is a most serious matter. There are people with deep and profoundly held convictions on both sides of the issue. It touches the most serious level of our life and our values as a people. I very much hope that unlike some previous occasions when this matter was discussed, it will be done in a calm rational way...

Seanad: Fish Quotas: Motion (15 Dec 2010)

David Norris: This is a very positive day. We usually have confrontation in this House and very silly nitpicking amendments are tabled. I congratulate Senator O'Donovan for having the foresight to table this important motion which gives us an opportunity to welcome the Minister of State's work. I also compliment Fine Gael because I am sure there must have been a temptation to play the usual game....

Seanad: Fish Quotas: Motion (15 Dec 2010)

David Norris: That is even better. However, my memory is roughly accurate from what I heard this morning on radio. I very much welcome the revised reduction, particularly because I do not believe there is a significant threat in this area. However, perhaps the Minister of State might enlighten us on the matter. My selection of the prawn is not just a matter of personal taste, there is also a commercial...

Seanad: Fish Quotas: Motion (15 Dec 2010)

David Norris: It specifically stated they were Dublin Bay prawns, which is what attracted me and why I asked. Senators who take any interest in food will know the extraordinary difference between Dublin Bay prawns and the waterlogged insipid little rubbery things dragged halfway across the planet from Asia and that revolt any civilised palate. I have believed for some time and have said in the House that...

Seanad: Fish Quotas: Motion (15 Dec 2010)

David Norris: I saw one, a large ship that appeared to have sophisticated sonar and radar equipment which I presumed could be used to locate shoals of fish and also to explore other resources. I understood from my brief conversation on the aeroplane that the research was not just confined to fish. The positive news we have received from Brussels thanks to the Minister of State is an indication of the...

Seanad: Fish Quotas: Motion (15 Dec 2010)

David Norris: It is a wonderful signature tune and person identified with the programme, whose name I cannot remember-----

Seanad: Fish Quotas: Motion (15 Dec 2010)

David Norris: I very much regret that he was axed from it. It was done simply by the imposition of an arbitrary age limit, which was wrong. He had the perfect voice and attitude. I am not attempting to undermine the current presenter who is doing a good job, but there was plenty of life left in Tom McSweeney who could easily have continued on. I very much hope the wisdom of somebody who knows so much...

Seanad: Fish Quotas: Motion (15 Dec 2010)

David Norris: -----an understanding of some of the complexities of the fishing industry will not be lost. The programme is a valuable resource for the national broadcaster. I compliment the entire House because this is a good day. We are not involved in the silly schoolboyish and schoolgirlish wrangle that usually characterises the sitting on a Wednesday night. We have a little success story. In these...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2010)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2010)

David Norris: We were misled. We were told untruths. That is how-----

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2010)

David Norris: It was typical, however.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2010)

David Norris: Well said.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2010)

David Norris: What is the taxi regulator doing? Yesterday I hailed three taxis in quick succession. I was trying to make an emergency appointment with my dentist but none of the taxi drivers had any idea where Synge Street was located. In London, every taxi driver has to pass a test of local knowledge. This cuts across any kind of prejudice because I have had good taxi drivers from various ethnic and...