Results 15,221-15,240 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Earlier Signature Motion (20 Jan 2009)

David Norris: I accept that.

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Earlier Signature Motion (20 Jan 2009)

David Norris: I quite understand that you might have had difficulty hearing it because there was a hubbub and discussion and ruaille buaille going on, but in those circumstances, the House should have been adjourned so that people like myself who very clearly called for a vote on this important Bill could be heard. All my colleagues over here have supported me. They all heard me shouting it.

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

David Norris: I agree with every word said by my distinguished colleague on the Labour bench, Senator Kelly. I would like to go a little further. Within the last hour the Minister for Finance, Deputy Lenihan, told the House that the Director of Corporate Enforcement did not have the same powers to inquire into banks that he would have with regard to other institutions. That is rather worrying.

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

David Norris: That is exactly what he said. I heard him. I was in the House. I heard every word.

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

David Norris: He does not have the same powers.

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

David Norris: We need somebody to go in there who has those powers. It seems to be an extraordinary situation. Reference was made to the position of the chairman whom I have met, and who is a charming man, but a man with an extraordinary attitude towards life. He was able to take out loans that were concealed which varied between €80 million and €100 million. These were neatly swiped off the books...

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

David Norris: The Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, said quite the opposite.

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

David Norris: The Minister of State's reply is astonishing because he has stated the Director of Corporate Enforcement has perfectly adequate powers. Within the past hour or so the senior Minister informed the House that the Director of Corporate Enforcement did not have sufficient powers.

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

David Norris: He suggested there was a gap in respect of the question of authority, power and capacity to investigate. At least that is what I understood him to say.

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

David Norris: For that reason Members require a clear explanation of what is, on the surface at least, a clear contradiction between what a Minister and his Minister of State have said. The Minister of State has noted that the Minister does not have the power to direct the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement and so on. For these reasons and because of such clear gaps Members need precisely...

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

David Norris: Not really, or at least the Minister of State did not give an answer that satisfied me. Moreover, I doubt whether it satisfied many other Members because clearly something has changed. I also support Senator Ross in stating proper information is required. If an investigation takes place, it must be made public because such accountability is required. I find it embarrassing to be obliged...

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

David Norris: If I may, I will conclude on these two points.

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

David Norris: To be praised by me. That is the reason I am doing it. While the matter of commercial sensitivity was raised, it does not apply in this regard because it is just like the position in a libel action in which people have no reputation left. The bank has no credibility and no reputation remains to it. Consequently, it cannot be subject to the ordinary forces of commercial sensitivity. The...

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

David Norris: I agree with the principle of Senator Doherty's amendment. It seems to me that accountability and truth are needed. It is sometimes difficult, without probing, to find out what is the truth. Although I had made arrangements, at considerable difficulty, to get here this evening, the imposition of the guillotine that was decided on by the House meant that I was not permitted to speak. I got...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2008)

David Norris: Hear, hear. It is good news. It is about time.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2008)

David Norris: I would like to raise two matters. I have been shocked by this morning's financial developments. When I interviewed the gentleman in question on the radio, I found him to be very pleasant. It is astonishing to think that the entire establishment has been impugned. Leading people from practically every pillar of our community — politicians, clergy of various denominations, lawyers and...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2008)

David Norris: It is buttons compared with the waste.