Results 16,301-16,320 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Agency Workers) (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I could not dig out any clear research pertaining to the conditions which apply. Perhaps the Minister of State and his colleagues will be able to point us in the right direction. I have found comparable stuff from our neighbouring island, however, the attitude of which we seem to be mimicking. Agency workers in the United Kingdom are paid an average of 68% of the earnings of directly...

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Agency Workers) (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: Mr. Cooper wrote that it is suspected that 600 jobs will be lost during of the redevelopment of Arnotts.

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Agency Workers) (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: Irish Ferries got rid of 500 staff.

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Agency Workers) (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: We have to watch this space to see if Arnotts, which is a wonderful firm, engages in the noxious practice of hiring agency workers when it reopens.

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Agency Workers) (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I would not touch it.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I support strongly Senator Coghlan on the matter of the groceries order. A number of us stood up against its abolition stating nothing would change or prices would increase and that commercial life, especially for small business people, would be seriously damaged. I believe that has happened. Even worse, it has facilitated alcoholic drink offers if not below-cost selling of alcohol. We...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: Dustin for Eurovision, Norris for fashion. We still have a sense of humour.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: Only in France, not here.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I cannot possibly match Senator Eoghan Harris.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2008)

David Norris: That was the most splendid piece of rhetoric but I agree with the thrust of what he said. Ireland Inc. needs to be represented. The publicity that is gained, the highlighting of our success, our industry and everything of which we can be proud is an important function of Government and we should not be cheese-paring about it. People need to arrive in good condition. I am a member of the...

Seanad: Defamation Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (11 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I hope the Minister's comments will be drawn to the attention of the Press Council which may come up with some ideas. Obviously, the Minister has not scotched it or ruled it out entirely. Perhaps it could be ensured the Press Council is made aware of this so that it has the invitation from the Oireachtas and from the Minister in particular. In that light, I am happy to withdraw the amendment.

Seanad: Defamation Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (11 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I echo the sentiments of Senator O'Toole. This is a significant move on criminal, seditious and obscene libel. Somebody raised the question of whether blasphemy should be also looked at in terms of the Constitution. It should. I remember a case 20 or more years ago in which Gay News was successfully sued by Mrs. Whitehouse. What was used in that case was a parallel offence of blasphemous...

Seanad: Defamation Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (11 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I second the amendment. I am happy to support my colleague, Senator Mullen. This seems to be a very sensible thing. Most organisations and groups, including this House, have provision for a quorum. The James Joyce Centre, of which I am a director, and the Friends of the Library, of which I am chairman, have requirements to be quorate. Senator Mullen is also very sensible to ensure there...

Seanad: Defamation Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (11 Mar 2008)

David Norris: On behalf of the Independents I also thank the Minister for his courtesy and good-humoured informing of the Seanad on a series of matters. It is very appropriate that it should be this Minister, because I notice that the Bill was presented by his aunt, then Senator, now Deputy Mary O'Rourke. The nephew has completed the business. I am sure the aunt will be very pleased when it is reported...

Seanad: Defamation Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (11 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I am afraid that is Senator Mullen's problem. The Minister has done a good job. I do not agree with everything — that is the way legislation goes. I very much welcome that he has paid tribute to the work of the House in refining the Bill before it goes to the Dáil. We are frequently told, including in recent weeks, by several columnists that Seanad Éireann is a useless farce and that...

Seanad: Defamation Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (11 Mar 2008)

David Norris: Very unexpected.

Seanad: Defamation Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (11 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I did not say that.

Seanad: Defamation Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (11 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I have a substantial point of order to make. Arising from what Senator Boyle said, earlier in the day the Government lost a vote on one of the most important aspects of the Bill. It was a voice vote that I called.

Seanad: Defamation Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (11 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I knew perfectly well that the Government would call an ambulatory vote if we did not and that it would be a waste of time. If the Senator wants the Official Report to show Fine Gael's embarrassment, let the Government's embarrassment also be shown because that side failed on the voice vote.