Results 13,761-13,780 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: His wish was to abolish it.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: And the odd ass.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: There is also Senator Bacik's climate change Bill.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: Senator Bacik played a large role.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: I have complained about only being covered on the issue of buggery and James Joyce.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: That would be nice.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: Go on, do.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: Surely they did not say that.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: Once bought is always bought.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: I thank my colleagues for taking part in the debate. It was a very high level debate, with a number of stimulating opinions expressed. Members of the House need more support. An example is access to drafting skills. We do not have such skills and it is difficult to draft legislation. All Members have excellent secretaries. My secretary is absolutely superb, but she is over-worked. She...

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: It is universally acknowledged that the most regularly interesting element of our day's work is the Order of Business, yet we continue to confine and cramp it and play it down. I have continuously attempted to expand it and to build on our strengths, with some small success. The Minister, Deputy Gormley, was surprised that I read out my contribution. I seldom do so. I did it once...

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: In the last Parliament I was given a specific time for an hour long discussion-----

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: -----of the cluster bomb initiative, in which I had played a role both in the House and at the foreign affairs committee.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: With less than two hours notice, this was suddenly and arbitrarily changed with no explanation-----

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: -----and I had to abandon a press conference on the matter and hare across town to be on time for my debate. This does not inspire confidence, nor does the fact that at certain times of crisis the Dáil met while the Seanad continued in recess. Moreover, the public, rightly or wrongly, has the perception that the Seanad interrupts its operation to facilitate Members who wish to take part in...

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: This will be my last paragraph.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: We have been challenged to say what we have done and we can answer in broad sweeps, each for ourselves. In my case, I refer to the significant amendment of the Child Care Bill some years ago, the initial legislative provision and debate about the metro for Dublin, the first real authoritative debates on AIDS, the Civil Partnership Bill, the establishment of the foreign affairs committee and...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: Yes.

Seanad: Communications Regulation (Premium Rate Services and Electronic Communications Infrastructure) Bill 2009: Second Stage (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: It is another wonderful example of the chaotic ordering of the business of Seanad Éireann. It is an illustration for my little thesis, if I needed it.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jan 2010)

David Norris: I move: That, in the light of public criticism and of the numerous reports on the subject, Seanad Éireann requests the Government to embark urgently on the process of comprehensive Seanad reform. I place before the Seanad tonight an urgent motion on Seanad reform. I do so because the reform and, indeed, survival of Seanad Éireann is undoubtedly the most critical issue facing this House....