Results 17,001-17,020 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Apr 2007)

David Norris: He is a very agreeable Senator.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Apr 2007)

David Norris: I rise on a solemn matter, to announce the date of the general election, which will be 24 May. I know this definitively because I heard Mr. Charlie Bird say it on the news.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Apr 2007)

David Norris: Nothing could be more relevant.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Apr 2007)

David Norris: The Cathaoirleach should use his high office to communicate this news to the Taoiseach so that he can facilitate the process by dissolving the Dáil.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Apr 2007)

David Norris: In regard to today's business, one need only look about the Chamber. The attendance is pathetic, even for the Order of Business. There is practically nobody here.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Apr 2007)

David Norris: They also know when the election is.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Apr 2007)

David Norris: I take part in most of the debates in this House and I took part in virtually everything that happened yesterday. However, I have no intention of wasting my time contributing to the debate on the remaining Stages of the Criminal Justice Bill 2007. It is merely a farce and an empty gesture. No amendments will be accepted. We are talking into thin air and I have more important things to do...

Seanad: Citizenship Applications. (26 Apr 2007)

David Norris: This is a serious matter and I am glad that the Minister of State who heard my opinions on the Criminal Justice Bill is here because I made the point that this is all of a piece with the situation wherein a citizen of this country, presumed innocent, can be brought before a court and, effectively, jailed for seven days on the word of a garda who is immune from cross-examination and does not...

Seanad: Citizenship Applications. (26 Apr 2007)

David Norris: I thank the Minister of State for his reply, the last paragraph of which was helpful. The antepenultimate paragraph of the reply states, "A copy of the submission prepared by officials of the Department at the time was forwarded to the applicant for his information." I have just confirmed with the person involved, who is present in the Visitor's Gallery, that it was not forwarded to him....

Seanad: Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Second Stage (26 Apr 2007)

David Norris: I deplore this legislation and the absence of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, who has not seen fit to show his face in the House. I am not surprised; perhaps he is ashamed. This is a dreadful day for the Oireachtas. It is a complete abrogation of democratic responsibility. The Seanad is being treated with contempt. Our principal responsibility is to review and refine...

Seanad: Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Second Stage (26 Apr 2007)

David Norris: The European Court of Human Rights has stated that under Article 6.1 of the European Convention on Human Rights, "the right to silence and the right not to incriminate oneself, are generally recognised international standards which lie at the heart of the notion of a fair procedure under Article 6". There is much to be worried about. I have not gone into all the technical details because...

Seanad: Criminal Justice Bill 2007: Second Stage (26 Apr 2007)

David Norris: The Minister of State has been in and out of all the parties. He is a party girl.

Seanad: Risk Equalisation: Motion (26 Apr 2007)

David Norris: I also welcome the Minister. She is a doughty fighter. She took on a very difficult job. I am not sure it was not a kamikaze mission but she did it honourably. Although I will support these measures, I do so faute de mieux. This is a disgusting debate and I am a little shocked that not one contributor so far has mentioned the patients. We have heard about the market, entering the field...

Seanad: Risk Equalisation: Motion (26 Apr 2007)

David Norris: If I were, I would only be following in Senator Ryan's footsteps.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Apr 2007)

David Norris: I agree with Senators Scanlon and Brian Hayes. I raised this issue some six weeks ago after it was brought to my attention by people in St. Raphael's. I am glad Senator Brian Hayes raised it so trenchantly today. It is one of the meanest and most discussing impositions on a vulnerable section of the community. At the time I raised it, the Leader gave an undertaking to bring it to the...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Apr 2007)

David Norris: I apologise, a Chathaoirleach, this is the end. It is an important point that it was left to individuals. The Broadcasting Complaints Commission took an action against Trócaire at the beginning of Lent. I congratulate the individuals and organisations that acted so successfully in this instance.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Apr 2007)

David Norris: They can hump back across the Shannon.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Apr 2007)

David Norris: It was a civilian aircraft.

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (25 Apr 2007)

David Norris: I have never been terribly enthusiastic about the paying of formal tributes as they are sometimes to people none of us in this House knows. This, however, is a very different occasion, as well as a very sad one. It is marked out as different by the fact none of the words uttered today is purely ceremonial or learnt by rote. Every single word is deeply felt and part of a genuine tribute to...

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Apr 2007)

David Norris: Dr. Who and the Dardis.