Results 13,821-13,840 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: If I did not think it might be taken up as a slur, I would say that some of my best friends are dentists. I am not inimical to their making a living. I have also received some very good dental treatment in this country. In general, I accept the Minister's point that the tests are still available to the disadvantaged but we then move into a situation where they are disadvantaged if they seek...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: On a point of order, can the Cathaoirleach confirm that all Stages are being taken and if so, whether there will be a break between the end of Committee Stage and Report Stage to provide for the eventuality that some people may wish to put forward Report Stage amendments.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: Without a break.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: I welcome Senator Kieran Phelan to the Chair; it is the first time that I have been subjected to his benevolent rule.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: As one would expect from a gentleman from his part of the country.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: He is definitely from Queen's County as were my ancestors. Enough of this nonsense. I am not unusually gifted in mathematics or in the computation of tax figures. All I remember is what affects me. I am not sure whether this means I should be ruled out of order for having a vested interest but I can make a point to the Minister. I was employed for quite a number of years by the College of...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: I have been approached by the dental profession from two angles. There has been a very considerable diminution of their income, and they feel that dentists who rely largely on the operation of this scheme will be put out of business. I am a little bit less sympathetic to them on that issue. However, I have had subsequent communication from them which indicates the benefit to society of the...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: They will continue.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: I agree with the general sentiment that it is time we moved on. We have spoken at length about the dental situation but the optical situation is also significant. Three or four years ago I visited an optician seeking a change of prescription. The optician told me to see a specialist, which I did, and I was told that I had macular degeneration of the retina. In my case this is...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: I think the Minister said it was €54 million.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: I also have a few questions for the Minister. Will the time limit operate both ways? It will apply to contributions that have been inaccurately taken from a contributor such that the State will be in the debt of the person. If it is the other way around and there has been underpayment as a result of the State's inefficiency due to an oversight on the part of the payer, will this be subject...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: It should do so.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: The Minister raised more questions as far as I am concerned. Can she give me an explanation as to why in these circumstances there was such a considerable increase? I cannot think why. It is not as if people who were hard pressed were trying to defraud. It is coming the other way, unless the State was trying to get more money, as the banks did. What was the reason for this statistical...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: I never said that.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: He is into it so we will hear his little Christmas message.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: I asked the Minister if there were other precedents in financial life.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: May I add a little extra inducement? If the Minister accepts the amendment, I will happily vote with the Government.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: What will happen to the people concerned between now and then?

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: I will incorporate the Minister's valuable suggestion in an amendment for Report Stage if that would satisfy her. What will be the position for the people concerned between the passage of this Bill and the passage of the social welfare Bill? They would be at least advantaged if this Bill were passed with the inclusion of my amendment, but if it is passed without it, they will continue to be...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

David Norris: Senator Healy Eames is out of order.