Results 13,881-13,900 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Budget 2010: Statements (10 Dec 2009)

David Norris: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, to the House. I am not under any illusion that the debate in this House will materially affect the financial course of this country. However, it is important that Members make a contribution as they are an essential part of the democratic mix and it may be that some points made in the House will be listened to. The Minister of State has a...

Seanad: Budget 2010: Statements (10 Dec 2009)

David Norris: Consequently, it is all fine for me. While I can volunteer, what about other people who have other entanglements? It is not simply a straight mathematical figure because one must take into account the possibility of other variables. Nevertheless, people like myself would be prepared to consider a sharper haircut. When I consider the situation pertaining to Newry, I am unapologetic in...

Seanad: Budget 2010: Statements (10 Dec 2009)

David Norris: I fundamentally disagree with some of my colleagues, including one in particular whom I will not name because he is not here. Of course FÁS should get €56 million in funding. We have to make sure it is properly spent. That should be a matter of course, particularly after the recent scandals. It is vitally important that people are retrained and up-skilled. I do not mind if some people...

Seanad: Budget 2010: Statements (10 Dec 2009)

David Norris: The Leas-Chathaoirleach can certainly ask. My final point concerns perception. Perception means a great deal when one is selling a tough situation. The Minister of State knows this; he is a sophisticated man. No one will believe the Taoiseach's salary cut. It may be 30% but nobody gives a tuppenny damn because it is too late. It may not be too little but timing is all. People are fed...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2009)

David Norris: More for Peter Robinson.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2009)

David Norris: Shell did a very good deal, getting it all for nothing thanks to the Senator's friend, Ray Burke.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2009)

David Norris: If the Leader's remark is for me, I cannot hear him.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2009)

David Norris: A Chathaoirligh, will you ask the Leader to address the Order of Business and stop making partisan, political statements on behalf of Fianna Fáil? It is very irritating for those who are not members of political parties.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2009)

David Norris: He is not a representative of the people of Kenmare. He is a representative of county councillors.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2009)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2009)

David Norris: I hope members of the Garda Síochána will not go on strike. There is a war in the country. I am interested in knowing if there is any prospect of the Army declaring industrial action. It would be a little odd if it were to do so in the middle of a war.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2009)

David Norris: I understand that. I note that the Senator distanced himself from any suggestion he might be encouraging members of the Garda to go on strike. Twenty years ago yesterday the then Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gerry Collins, ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. It was suggested it was an important move because it wiped a stain from Ireland's...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2009)

David Norris: We should not increase the prevalence of alcoholism at Christmas time when it is particularly dangerous.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2009)

David Norris: It is going to rain later.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2009)

David Norris: I was astonished to hear people on the Fine Gael side apparently praising the trade union proposals because during their discussion with the Government, Fine Gael consistently undermined and attacked them. This point scoring reduces politics considerably.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2009)

David Norris: It would make people cynical because the time for this type of point scoring is over-----

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2009)

David Norris: -----as I hope is the time for the indecent spectacle we witnessed of allegedly Independent Members using their momentary leverage to secure local advantage for their own little parishes. I find that disgusting when the entire country is facing a difficulty. I also wish to raise the issue of child abuse again. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform said that no church is above...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2009)

David Norris: Quelle surprise?

Seanad: Report by Commission of Investigation into Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin: Statements (3 Dec 2009)

David Norris: I welcome the Minister of State. I am sorry his colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is not here but I am sure he will pass on what has been said in the House in his absence. I have spoken to the Minister about certain aspects of these cases in the past and found him to be someone who is sympathetic, intelligent and on whom I can rely to take up the matters raised...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

David Norris: Interruptions, without Senator Butler.