Results 17,821-17,840 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

David Norris: I support the calls for a debate on the Leas Cross report. More than 100 people, which is a large number, seem to have died in the nursing home, some of whom apparently died unnecessarily. It seems the inspectorate is not working. I am particularly concerned about public facilities that care for the elderly, which are not inspected satisfactorily at all. We should have the Minister in the...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

David Norris: I saw footage down in Limerick at the weekend — I was at a police conference — of people being baton-charged. The police issued an edict that a perfectly legal and peaceful protest was to be banned. The people who were protesting were then baton-charged. I spoke to an independent reporter who had been asked what he was doing while he was standing on a ditch. When he said he was doing...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

David Norris: What did the Senator do about it?

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

David Norris: On the question of children's rights, all Members are in favour. Senator O'Toole rightly referred to the fact that while many people seem to think the noble provisions within the 1916 Proclamation are included within the Constitution, this is not the case. However, it refers to the rights of the individual. Why not consider holding a referendum that would guarantee and underwrite people's...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

David Norris: I was also attacked on another occasion. It is not funny. I am amazed Members find it entertaining that people get attacked. If they do find it entertaining, they are part of the problem. If they do not understand how serious it is to trivialise these situations, they are on the side of the attackers. At least, I did get stuck in.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

David Norris: The point I was making was that many young people in this city take drugs like crack cocaine. One of my assailants was taking crack cocaine. I was walking down the boardwalk along the River Liffey last week when I saw three young lads smoking something in a glass pipe, which was obviously crack cocaine. People are afraid because those who take these drugs become out of control.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

David Norris: He might yet, one never knows. Is the Leader saying he will win?

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

David Norris: They all stand for the Dáil and when they fail to get elected they get into the Seanad.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

David Norris: This is the intensive care department.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

David Norris: The Leader will be in the next Dáil anyway——

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

David Norris: I will——

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

David Norris: It is the way I tell them.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

David Norris: I also support Senator Brian Hayes's comments regarding the Mater Hospital's attack on the former cancer patient. This issue raises a serious problem. A good article by Mary Rafferty in today's edition of The Irish Times points out that previously, the same hospital had problems when its ethical committee, from a narrow sectarian point of view, prevented people from getting cancer treatment...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

David Norris: I would love to see all Members support real Seanad reform, which would include their own rotten constituencies. It would be a great day for Ireland if——

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

David Norris: ——Members were like turkeys and voted for Christmas. I would stand against any Member in any constituency they wished.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

David Norris: Members should be realistic about this and should not start detracting from the university Members, who are the only democratic element in the entire House.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

David Norris: At least I have a few voters. You lot have less than 1,000. Make it 20,000 or 100,000 and——

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

David Norris: —— Members would learn a little about democracy.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

David Norris: There is plenty of competition. The Senator can stand. I dare Senator Ulick Burke to stand in the Trinity constituency.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2006)

David Norris: While he could easily stand, I would wipe the floor with him.