Results 15,461-15,480 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Second Stage (9 Dec 2008)

David Norris: I have macular degeneration of the retina, so I find it virtually impossible to read the script. It was not printed in this form to save money because the rear of the pages are blank. The intention was that we would not be able to follow her as she made her statement. It is a deliberate disincentive. I have no doubt it was Government policy.

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Second Stage (9 Dec 2008)

David Norris: I appreciate that. The Minister is very courteous, as always. However, while I pay tribute to her courtesy and decency, I continue to assert that she should be ashamed of her statement not only because of the way in which it was printed but also because of the underhand practice throughout this Government of swingeing the most defenceless. I will not begin my criticisms of the Bill with the...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

David Norris: This is important as it concerns the abolition of the Combat Poverty Agency. I hope we will have the opportunity to debate the reasons so I should be able to persuade my colleagues——

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

David Norris: Very much, and in both ways, as they say.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

David Norris: Under Standing Order 61, I would like to have the luxury of an ambulatory vote.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

David Norris: I am afraid it seems to be one economic calamity after another and there will be a considerable bill for this. It is not just a case of disappointment because there will be no ham on the Christmas table; our exports will be badly affected. Although I am on the Opposition side, I compliment the Government on the fact that the Minister of State, Deputy Sargent, responded quickly, clearly and...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

David Norris: However, I have not heard any demands from Muslims or members of immigrant groups. Our own boyos have gone off with a kick of their own. They are Christmas crackers. I agree with Senator O'Toole on how ridiculous it is that we will not be allowed to have an Order of Business. It cannot be a question of time because we never start before ten minutes have passed on the clock. We are not...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

David Norris: Since we should discuss matters of interest, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to take first non-Government motion No. 23 on the Government's appalling Christmas effort to savage and destroy the Combat Poverty Agency.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

David Norris: If the Deputy is supporting Christianity, he should try to be honest for a change.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

David Norris: No, it was not. The sequence is quite clear.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

David Norris: He will just think Senator O'Toole is adoring the Magi.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

David Norris: Shame.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

David Norris: Great.

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

David Norris: This deals with agreements with charities trustees. I am not sure if my point is appropriate here; if not, perhaps the Minister or his advisers might advise me where it might come in. It is the question of payments to people collecting on the streets, for example, and payments to executives. I think that would be covered. I would like to see some percentage limit placed as a matter of...

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

David Norris: I understand that and I will not push the matter, but I ask the Minister to keep this issue under review because I am not thinking in terms of putting information on the boxes. I am thinking in terms of making a statutory limit, even on a figure like 50%, because it is absurd to collect money, more than 50% of which does not go to the charity. What are they collecting for otherwise? I know...

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

David Norris: I will move it formally on his behalf so that he can return to the issue on Report Stage.

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

David Norris: Yes.

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Committee Stage (4 Dec 2008)

David Norris: I move amendment No. 43: In page 68, line 7, to delete "shall" and substitute "may".