Results 16,361-16,380 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I wish to raise an issue on which the Chair allowed Senator Harris to make a lengthy intervention a week or so ago. It is a matter of great importance to standards of honesty, decency and justice in this country. It is fundamental to the well-being of a number of people in Ireland and abroad. I hope the Chair will allow me a gracious degree of latitude. I refer to the film, "Fairytale of...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Mar 2008)

David Norris: Such a broadcast must be illegal. Calls have been made for Mr. Ó Searcaigh's poetry to be removed from——

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Mar 2008)

David Norris: ——the academic syllabus, the local authority grant for his house to be withdrawn and for him to be removed from Aosdána.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Mar 2008)

David Norris: It is relevant. I will make it clear how relevant it is.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Mar 2008)

David Norris: Gloriously, the artists of Ireland have supported Cathal Ó Searcaigh as they previously did in the case of Oscar Wilde. This is because they have a unique insight into the processes of works of creation and destruction. I wish to make it clear that I support the brave letter sent by the artists to The Irish Times. When I saw the film, my stomach sank and I thought of the words of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I call for this film to be referred to the Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources so that the truth can be established with the assistance of experts.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Mar 2008)

David Norris: The illegality is possibly a matter for this House. Communications is an appropriate matter for the committee established by both Houses of the Oireachtas to examine such matters.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I accept your ruling but I ask the Leader to ensure this matter is referred.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Mar 2008)

David Norris: It is to identify the truth.

Seanad: Cluster Munitions: Motion (6 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I am glad the Leader of the House is present because I feel very strongly about the disgraceful way the business was re-ordered in the House. It is not true that the Whips of all the parties knew about it or were consulted. Mine was not and the Fine Gael speaker had no knowledge of it. The first speaker from Fianna Fáil was hauled out of the Forum on Europe. That is not the way to do...

Seanad: Cluster Munitions: Motion (6 Mar 2008)

David Norris: I move: "That Seanad Éireann welcomes: (1) the role being played by the Government in international efforts to secure a total prohibition on the production, stockpiling, transfer and use of cluster munitions through its active participation in international initiatives to address the issue comprehensively, in line with its commitments in the programme for Government; (2) the convening by...

Seanad: Cluster Munitions: Motion (6 Mar 2008)

David Norris: On a point of order, I exonerate the Minister from any culpability in this matter. I was in touch with his office and understand it was prepared to be flexible with regard to timing. I should have made that clear to be fair to the Minister.

Seanad: Cluster Munitions: Motion (6 Mar 2008)

David Norris: Should there not be ethical guidelines for the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission?

Seanad: Cluster Munitions: Motion (6 Mar 2008)

David Norris: What about existing investments?

Seanad: Cluster Munitions: Motion (6 Mar 2008)

David Norris: That is very helpful.

Seanad: Cluster Munitions: Motion (6 Mar 2008)

David Norris: The date is fine. However, it was shifted from 3.30 p.m. to 1 p.m. with no notice to any of the people participating and no consultation with the Whips despite what I was told. What I was told was not true.

Seanad: Cluster Munitions: Motion (6 Mar 2008)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Mar 2008)

David Norris: This week one of my colleagues objected to the use of language by a Member on the Government side of the House because he used the word "slaughter" regarding the situation in Israel. I maintained it was a matter of proportion and I still do. I know something about the use of language and when 125 people, mainly civilians and including four children, are killed by the armed forces of a...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Mar 2008)

David Norris: ——was bombed. I was nearly killed in a bomb attack outside a pizzeria in the centre of Jerusalem. I am aware of these incidents and I condemn them unreservedly. However, I will not be intimidated against saying what I think about human rights.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Mar 2008)

David Norris: The Senator is not.