Results 13,241-13,260 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Bill 2009: Second Stage (7 Jul 2010)

David Norris: I welcome the Minister and, in particular, the sensitive language in which his speech was couched, although some of the claims made regarding full equality were a little exaggerated. I warmly welcome the superb and moving speeches made by the spokespersons for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, Senators McDonald and Regan, respectively. For most of my life, including most of my adult life, I was...

Seanad: Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Bill 2009: Second Stage (7 Jul 2010)

David Norris: Let me turn to my own benches. Seated upon them is a colleague, Senator Mullen, who consistently calls for civilised and respectful debate. He has also been consistently on the airwaves seeking to undermine this legislation. He told the main radio news programme during this last week that GLEN, the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network, was wasting taxpayers' money republishing some of the...

Seanad: Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Bill 2009: Second Stage (7 Jul 2010)

David Norris: I will address the issue further on Committee Stage, but I would like to make one clear comment on it. No registrar has objected. Gay people are ordinary. We have common sense. What sane person, on what is supposed to be the happiest day of that person's life, would give money to somebody who has contempt for him or her, would pay someone to fry his or her hair, put rat poison in the...

Seanad: Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Bill 2009: Second Stage (7 Jul 2010)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Bill 2009: Second Stage (7 Jul 2010)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Bill 2009: Second Stage (7 Jul 2010)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

David Norris: On a point of order, I point to a flaw in the procedures of House, namely, that there is no facility to record an abstention. I would have abstained in the vote as a matter of-----

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

David Norris: In light of the commitment the Leader gave yesterday, I ask him to take all-party motion No. 14, without debate if necessary. I recognise we have limited time but I would like the motion to be taken despite the fact that it was referred to dismissively by one of my colleagues. With regard to the question of a free vote, I will abstain on this extraordinary proposal. As I noted to Senator...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

David Norris: Well said.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

David Norris: Even though it is prescribed in the Bible, I agree with the Senator.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Central Bank Reform Bill 2010: Second Stage (6 Jul 2010)

David Norris: We were agog listening in our rooms.

Seanad: Central Bank Reform Bill 2010: Second Stage (6 Jul 2010)

David Norris: What of the PIGS? The "I" does not stand for Iceland?

Seanad: Central Bank Reform Bill 2010: Second Stage (6 Jul 2010)

David Norris: I welcome the Minister and join in the compliments. He is a man of sterling qualities and I hope among them is contained an element of sardonic humour underneath that impassive ministerial mask because, otherwise, I do not imagine he could have sat here for several hours without feeling the effects. I am very glad to see him back in full health and vigour and able to withstand this. I...

Seanad: Central Bank Reform Bill 2010: Second Stage (6 Jul 2010)

David Norris: -----but a plain vanilla bubble that was caused directly by Government policies. The Minister has been honest enough in addressing these matters and I will leave it at that because he is both a decent and honest man. I agree with him that it is important that we stress the good things that have been happening. Some good indicators have occurred, although it will be quite a long time before...

Seanad: Central Bank Reform Bill 2010: Second Stage (6 Jul 2010)

David Norris: However, I will say this. The Minster knows perfectly well that I have been concerned about Anglo Irish Bank, and that concern is now clearly shared by the Commissioner responsible, who has indicated these concerns. That does not give me any pleasure but it is a plain fact. I also said this very early on, about January, but there was some confusion because I was interrupted and heckled. I...

Seanad: Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010: Committee and Remaining Stages (6 Jul 2010)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010: Committee and Remaining Stages (6 Jul 2010)

David Norris: The urgency of this matter is indicated by the fact that I understand there were plans to start moving staff from St. Luke's Hospital in November this year, at which time there would be reduced services for an increased number of patients. The feeling expressed on this side of the House - I know there is some sympathy on the other side of the House - is echoed by many, including patients and...

Seanad: Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010: Committee and Remaining Stages (6 Jul 2010)

David Norris: I strongly support this two amendments, which are very important. If the amendments are not agreed I will call for a vote, and if such is granted I will vote against the entire Bill. I will do so because there is something profoundly undemocratic about what would happen today without these amendments. I say this for a number of reasons. There is a clear wish on the part of patients that...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Jul 2010)

David Norris: In the light of Senator Ó Murchú's request for an all-party motion on the rights of human beings, I ask the Leader if he will take the all-party agreed motion, No. 14, which I had some role in suggesting, on the position in some African states, including Uganda and Malawi. I gather it has been agreed with the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Leader gave an indication in conversation with...