Results 15,861-15,880 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Oct 2008)

David Norris: I thought he said that liars should be penalised. I support that.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Oct 2008)

David Norris: I join with colleagues in welcoming the debate on the budget. One of the most critical issues is the one which Senators O'Toole and Alex White raised. I am perfectly happy to pay the 1% levy and, if my income goes over €100,000 to pay 2%. It is totally appropriate and I have no quarrel with it but Senator White is 100% right in saying that this is a vicious tax. There must be a lower...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Oct 2008)

David Norris: I am glad to have received information from Dóchas that the 0.7% target in overseas development aid will be reached during the specified time. That is good but the problem is that this is dislodging attention from other issues. We are properly concerned with the international financial situation and its repercussions in Ireland but there are other matters around the world. I would like a...

Seanad: Volunteering in Irish Society: Statements (14 Oct 2008)

David Norris: Every parish gets large grants from the lottery. I know this because I have gone through the allocation of grants with a fine-tooth comb.

Seanad: Volunteering in Irish Society: Statements (14 Oct 2008)

David Norris: Interruptions add spice to the debate.

Seanad: Volunteering in Irish Society: Statements (14 Oct 2008)

David Norris: I was going to say that one. The Senator got there first.

Seanad: Volunteering in Irish Society: Statements (14 Oct 2008)

David Norris: I also welcome the Minister of State and compliment him on his speech in which he hit a number of the right notes and which I would like to develop. Although it is part of the Christian tradition to help out one's neighbours, it is not exclusively so. We are far too self-congratulatory and insular if we think we are so wonderful as a Christian country. I have worked with a number of...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Oct 2008)

David Norris: I wish the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, well on this critical day in his career and in the life of the country. This is not a time for smart-ass, partisan politicking. The circumstances are far too serious. We have had the largest stock-market crash since 1929 and we are probably heading into a slump. This has been triggered by the criminal greed and irresponsibility of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Oct 2008)

David Norris: The Government might abolish Met Éireann.

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Oct 2008)

David Norris: Does that include the Independents?

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Oct 2008)

David Norris: I could get used to it.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Oct 2008)

David Norris: Was that a "hear, hear" from Senator Mary White?

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Oct 2008)

David Norris: I join with colleagues in welcoming the possibility of a debate on the banks. What we are essentially seeing is the nationalisation of the banking system, and I strongly welcome this. There will be a requirement for a further inflow of public funds, and so the taxpayer should be entitled to equity for that investment. I heard somebody on the radio yesterday saying that we needed a return...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Oct 2008)

David Norris: It is the same in The Irish Times regarding the metro. This project was delayed 20 years ago, even though it was known to be the best solution, because we hit a rock in finance terms. We cannot afford to do it again, and we need to discuss it openly in the House.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Oct 2008)

David Norris: She is being heckled.

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (8 Oct 2008)

David Norris: I wish to make a few comments on this important Bill. First, I welcome the Minister back to this House, with which he was so familiar in the past and to which he paid great tribute in his speech. The first note he struck did not surprise me, given my knowledge of his character. He spoke about the human dimension of the housing situation and the financial downturn we are facing. I will...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (8 Oct 2008)

David Norris: Is it not a problem? Is there a quarantine area? Do we shove all the people onto Spike Island or some such place? One aspect of the explanatory memorandum to the Bill that I found to be very positive and refreshing was the fact that it does not have significant financial implications. This means it is probably safer than much other legislation that has been floating around the Houses...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2008)

David Norris: I thought the Senator was saying that everybody understands it.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2008)

David Norris: I do not understand it.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2008)

David Norris: We will have to return to the international financial crisis. I am confused because Senator Butler stated that it was a disgrace for Fine Gael to say that the Minister did not understand the situation, then he accused Fine Gael of not understanding the situation either. I am not fully sure I understand the situation, or that I have heard anybody who has given a clear, comprehensive view of...