Results 13,481-13,500 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Banking: Statements (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: They were all at it.

Seanad: Banking: Statements (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Banking: Statements (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: I wish to share time with Senator Quinn.

Seanad: Banking: Statements (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: I welcome the Minister of State. Senator MacSharry referred to the words of the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, in the other House and I would like to do the same. The Minister said that "At every hand's turn our worst fears have been surpassed". That is a very stark statement. He went on to say "Some institutions were worst than others, but the fact is that our banking system to a...

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: I concur with what my friend and colleague, Senator Alex White, stated on this issue. Before continuing and given that the Senator did not receive notification that his amendment was deemed to be out of order, will we find that other amendments have been ruled out of order? Perhaps we could be advised. These are idiotic rulings and they place the Seanad in a position of contempt because it...

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: That is most helpful and I thank the Acting Chairman. It was worth hanging around, since he did not mention my amendment No. 27 and I presume it is all right. One could sustain an argument that anything would create a charge on the Exchequer. We have just dealt with Senator Fitzgerald's amendment, which referred to publishing a report. While that might not have cost much, it would...

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: It was probably before the junior Senator's time, but I remember the event. The amendment deals with the kind of accommodation. It is an excellent amendment which goes directly to the heart of what the provision should be. I hope the Minister of State will give careful consideration to these necessary functions. The amendment calls for a room for each child; adequate and suitable...

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: I am very glad Senator White tabled this amendment. I had thought of putting my name to it but I am very happy to support and second it. I have met various groups, some in Leinster House and others in my house, to discuss this matter. Language is one of the questions they dealt with. There is a history in this country of children being placed in institutions. Some were detained in...

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: I wish to intervene briefly. I found the reference I made in my contribution on Second Stage where I flagged this issue. I said: There is also the matter of language. I had a visit from people involved in the care of young people who are concerned about the word "detention". They suggested it might appear to criminalise all the children in question. Children themselves speak of securing...

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: I support what my colleague, Senator Alex White, said. We certainly will consider this on Report Stage. Has the Minister of State any information on when Report Stage will be taken because we are only dealing with Committee Stage now?

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: Perhaps we can find out from the staff.

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach.

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: I add some additional support to my three colleagues who have spoken positively about this. We seem to be moving in the direction of the word "placement" or some form of words involving the word "placement". As I said, the word "placement" is in common currency among young people. This change would validate the use of that word and would strengthen that reinforcing language. In regard to...

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: I am more attracted by the words "secure placement" because there is an element of neutrality and also an element of clarity. It indicates that there is not the option to move out of the environment. It is also positive. The Minister of State referred to situations not only of anti-social behaviour directed towards other people or other patterns of behaviour but also of self-harm. The...

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: Yes.

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: It means they are secured against harming themselves. That is quite a good word. I am very glad the Minister of State is open to further argument on Report Stage.

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: It should include the word "placement".

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: I share Senator Fitzgerald's doubts about this provision. Section 23F(4) states the HSE may choose not to consult, having regard to the protection of the life, health and safety of the child, in other words, in circumstances where the child may be in serious danger. The provision that it will not consult the child appears strange. Will the Minister of State outline the circumstances in...

Seanad: Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009: Committee Stage. (31 Mar 2010)

David Norris: Absolutely. That is more or less what I said, but what about the child?