Results 12,881-12,900 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed). (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: Would the Senator afford protection to persons who knowingly make vexatious allegations?

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed). (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: That is my point.

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: If my distinguished colleague, Senator Bacik, requires a seconder, I will be very happy to second the amendment and, in particular, to rely on her expertise as she is, after all, a professor of law. I particularly applaud her for tabling this amendment because it raises the question of consistency. If such phrases are used throughout this and other legislation, obviously there should be...

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: While I continue to support Senator Bacik and hope we can come to a speedy resolution of the amendment, I retain my view that suspicion is an element in the formation of an opinion. I am aware of the extremely serious case to which the Senator referred which involved a very brave woman. It is astonishing that no one spoke out previously at the hospital in question given the appalling...

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: I understand the young woman observed developments for some time and formed an opinion as a result of a suspicion. This argument does not support Senator Bacik's case in quite the degree she believes because-----

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: Most whistleblowers are very serious people. They do not decide they do not like the look of a fellow, wonder if he has been up to something odd and make a report against him. All those with whom I have dealt are serious people who progressed from suspicion to opinion, as is appropriate. At the same time, I am pleased to support the amendments, although the Minister appears to be...

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: I am delighted Senator Mullen has thoroughly undermined his amendment. He invoked deceit and referred to people misleading and so forth.

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: I will be interested to hear the Senator's rationale, if he possesses one, which I doubt. I do not intend that as a personal comment.

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: That matter is addressed in the next amendment, which I was rebuked for discussing.

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: The Minister is on dangerous ground.

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: Of its very nature, an opinion is open to being incorrect or false. That must be the case.

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: Well done. That is a very good point.

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: I thought I had persuaded the Senator.

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: I have been persuaded by Senator Regan's argument, supported by Senator Bacik, and now give my unqualified support to the amendment. A very important series of related points has been raised. First, there has been a shift in the balance of responsibility. Second, some of the persons involved may be young people or people who are not entirely formed as to maturity and who may be easily...

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: If the Minister is giving a guarantee he will look at this matter, he must look at it with an open mind. It is not a flip-flop.

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: It is a development.

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: It is a grey area.

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: The way the business of this House is ordered is absolutely disgraceful. This is another example of the idiocies perpetrated by the Leader.

Seanad: Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: It is an absolute shame.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (1 Dec 2010)

David Norris: This House must insist upon a gap. This is outrageous and a real abnegation of democracy.