Results 15,681-15,700 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996: Referral to Joint Committee (25 Nov 2008)

David Norris: I actually went to the trouble of obtaining the statutory instrument referred to in this regard. It is quite significant because, as with other matters raised, we are putting this through without debate.

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996: Referral to Joint Committee (25 Nov 2008)

David Norris: It is a question of the absence of a domestic definition of terrorism. This House should debate matters such as a legal definition of terrorism in this jurisdiction.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2008)

David Norris: Hear, hear. Senator White is right.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2008)

David Norris: I support Senator Alex White's call for a debate on the economy, which is well overdue. I am not anything of an economist, but even I am concerned when there are reports in the newspapers to the effect that the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, is to approach some banking friends with a view to a dig-out and that these include J. C. Flowers, Carlyle and so on, with their associations to...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2008)

David Norris: On the other hand, I am among those, as suggested by Senator Ó Murchú, who would pay tribute to FÁS on the basis of my personal experience. Now is the time, when it is under pressure, to stand up for the foot soldiers in FÁS. I have direct personal experience of them and I am not suggesting that anybody here, including my friend, Senator Ross, has impugned them in any sense. He was...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2008)

David Norris: He is a real scholar, a PhD, the translator of Fernando Pessoa, a world authority not just on Joyce but on Pessoa, who has made these links between Ireland and Portugal. Thank God we got him and we would not have done so without FÁS. It is absolutely appropriate that excessive lifestyles be examined. I heard somebody say — there was a chorus of approval — that half of FÁS's budget,...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Nov 2008)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Nov 2008)

David Norris: I join many colleagues in calling for a debate on the economy. We are in a serious situation with new issues arising every day. The impact of a possible €500 annual increase in the cost of health insurance for families will inevitably force people into sole reliance on the public health service which is already creaking and groaning, so to speak. It is important that we discuss these...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Nov 2008)

David Norris: They cannot function; they have said it already.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Nov 2008)

David Norris: It might work here too.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Nov 2008)

David Norris: Well done, Senator.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Nov 2008)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Nov 2008)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Nov 2008)

David Norris: God.

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

David Norris: I support the thrust of both these amendments but prefer Senator Hannigan's on behalf of the Labour Party because it includes Senator Coffey's amendment through its reference to "tenancy services". Senator Coffey made a very good case for this and this may be the way of the future, that more people will live in rented accommodation, as they do on the Continent. People will find it very...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

David Norris: I do not want to be tedious in taking the Minister of State up on his reference to bedsits. I accept that this matter is not directly connected to the matter under consideration. I hope an inspectorate will be established. Legislation to deal with substandard accommodation is of no use unless properties can be inspected. It should be possible to put out of business those who provide such...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

David Norris: Splendid; well done.

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

David Norris: I also support the amendment because without it, the plan may remain inert in certain aspects and we should seek active engagement with the plan. This Part is important because it deals with the assessment of needs and the provision of a plan by the appropriate authorities in response to that. It is a desirable objective to make the entire process active. Senator Hannigan's amendment goes...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

David Norris: In general I support the thrust of the amendments because the development of community organisations and residents associations is valuable. This has been recognised in Dublin. For example, I am on the policing committee for the north inner city and I find that very valuable. The city manager has Oireachtas representatives for the local area in for lunch regularly with all the assistant...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

David Norris: The Minister of State is off to lunch without accepting amendments. Can he give us any hope for the afternoon?