Results 14,881-14,900 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: He would hardly remember it if he did not say it. How could he remember it?

Seanad: (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: That is a very political distinction, if I may say so.

Seanad: (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: If I promise to make no further contributions, will I be permitted to make four short points?

Seanad: (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: They are directly related to the amendments and respond to the significant points that have been raised. The glory of our Constitution is its organic nature. It did not stop in 1937. This is why one can elicit unenumerated rights from it. If it was a static document rather than being subject to revision by the wish of the people, we would be stuck at the point where its framers placed...

Seanad: (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: Is it still there?

Seanad: (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: It definitely should be removed. I find that difficult to believe. At least I have learned something. We are back in the 19th century.

Seanad: (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: I have been proven disastrously wrong in that regard and I am prepared to admit that my ignorance is yet again revealed to be one of the great natural resources of Ireland.

Seanad: (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: The Minister of State claimed that Britain lacks a constitution. I think they have a constitution but it is unwritten. How else would her gracious majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, by God ordained, be described legitimately as a constitutional monarch?

Seanad: (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: My next point, on the recognition of foreign marriages, is even more important. Arrangements are in place for the recognition of such marriages and I do not consider it appropriate to impugn them. Foreign divorce can also be recognised. In that context, I find it tendentious to speculate on the notion of polygamy. I do not find such discussion flattering or well informed but it is of a...

Seanad: Adoption Bill 2009: Committee Stage (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: The Minister of State has addressed them.

Seanad: Adoption Bill 2009: Committee Stage (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: Yes, it was.

Seanad: Adoption Bill 2009: Committee Stage (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: It definitely was discussed.

Seanad: Adoption Bill 2009: Committee Stage (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: My amendment is somewhat different. It seeks to insert in chapter 3, page 29, section 33, which states that the authority shall not make an adoption order or recognise an inter-country adoption effected outside the State unless the applicants are a married couple who are living together, a new subsection (b) which states that that the applicants are a couple of the same sex, over 21 years of...

Seanad: Adoption Bill 2009: Committee Stage (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: It is idiotic, contemptible and inhumane and it does not redress this human situation. Moreover, if we are interested in the rights of the child, why then do we not listen to what the children affected are saying? There have been a number of marvellous, courageous and splendid interviews on radio, television and in the newspapers by these children who want to know why we do not recognise...

Seanad: Adoption Bill 2009: Committee Stage (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Adoption Bill 2009: Committee Stage (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: Well said.

Seanad: Adoption Bill 2009: Committee Stage (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: Gay people who agree.

Seanad: Adoption Bill 2009: Committee Stage (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: Senator Mullen knows some very odd people.

Seanad: (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: I listened with great interest to what my colleagues said and I was particularly heartened by the Minister of State's comments. I do not anticipate that we will succeed in respect of this matter. I cannot speak for Senator Bacik but I will not push my amendment to anything other than a voice vote. However, we will seize the opportunity to take on board some of what has been said. The...

Seanad: Adoption Bill 2009: Committee Stage (4 Mar 2009)

David Norris: I support Senator Bacik, especially her final remarks. It would be cruel to inhibit the adoption of a sibling because adopted children, particularly if they are of a particular age group, can often be bereft and in need of support even though they may be placed in a positive family. Concern has been expressed to me about Vietnamese adoptions and, in fact, people have even indicated their...