Results 15,121-15,140 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: This is complete nonsense. It is a farce.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: Yes.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: I took part in yesterday's debate on education, which was good and vigorous. I took certain electoral risks by supporting elements of Government policy but feel betrayed because the Minister clearly knew there would be cuts to special needs provision. The people affected are vulnerable, yet every agency or organ of the State that speaks out on their behalf has been dismantled. There are...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: Will the Leader inform his troops that there will be a briefing session on domestic partnership at 1 p.m. in the audiovisual room, organised by speakers from the Irish Council for Civil Liberties? Perhaps Members would like to attend.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: If the Seanad is adjourned, it is not working.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: The Cathaoirleach is not dealing appropriately with the issue——

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: It should be related to disability not numbers.

Seanad: Request to Move Adjournment of the Seanad under Standing Order 30 (11 Feb 2009)

David Norris: What is a national emergency?

Seanad: Education Matters: Statements (10 Feb 2009)

David Norris: I welcome the Minister to the House. He is one of the bright spots in a Government which has become unsure and stumbling in confronting this extremely difficult situation. The Minister has dealt with matters under his aegis with decision and clarity. Not all the decisions are palatable and not all of them recommend themselves. One will have squawks and screeches from all over the place,...

Seanad: Education Matters: Statements (10 Feb 2009)

David Norris: Yes, for education. I would like to refer to the review by the UN Human Rights Committee which looked at this situation and said the integrated curriculum, or ethos, is discrimination: "The committee notes with concern that the vast majority of Ireland's primary schools are privately run denominational schools that have adopted a religious integrated curriculum thus depriving many parents...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Feb 2009)

David Norris: The Leader is learning.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Feb 2009)

David Norris: The goose is not golden but the eggs——

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Feb 2009)

David Norris: That is a goose with magical properties.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Feb 2009)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Feb 2009)

David Norris: I read an article in a newspaper during the week that suggested the word "crisis" derives from two ancient words, one meaning "danger" and the other meaning "opportunity". We need to consider the idea of opportunity. We are in very difficult circumstances and there is a crisis, at which the banks are at the centre. My problem is that we do not know the extent of the deficit. It is like...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Feb 2009)

David Norris: I compliment the Leader on the way he has fought stubbornly to have a reduction in the electricity tariff. He was supported in doing so by a number of Members, including myself. Circumstances are becoming increasingly worse. It is not just a question of the horrifying extent of the increases to bills, about which we hear on Joe Duffy's "Liveline" because the regulator is apparently...

Seanad: Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Statements (5 Feb 2009)

David Norris: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews. I listened to part of what the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, had to say and I read the document he provided. Like Senator Harris, I agree with much of its content. The Government now wishes to take resolute action. Unfortunately, it has not been resolute all the way through. There has been a certain amount of fumbling. In a...

Seanad: Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Statements (5 Feb 2009)

David Norris: I appeal to ESB workers to show the solidarity that is needed. When people are being thrown out of work, it is unfair for those workers to accept an increase. The pension levy must be imposed in a fair way. Senator O'Toole made an interesting case in this regard. I heard an interview on the radio yesterday with a civil servant who is separated from her spouse and is under pressure to...

Seanad: Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Statements (5 Feb 2009)

David Norris: Electricity costs must be reduced. Residential development sites are idle and half-finished. The Government should establish an agency and buy these sites at rock bottom prices from the developers, put public money into the project and get the building sector back to work.