Results 18,601-18,620 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (13 Dec 2005)

David Norris: I am grateful to Senator O'Toole for sharing his time with me. I agree with him on the impact that the multinationals have had on bookshops and record shops but such a situation came about a long time ago. Most will remember the local bakeries put out of business by these multiples. I remember how Dunnes Stores screwed its suppliers to the wall with "hello money", exclusive arrangements and...

Seanad: Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (13 Dec 2005)

David Norris: The arguments of these groups should be taken seriously. I will ask a light question. The Minister talks about expertise being available through one of the largest university systems in the country. As Senator Leyden put it, he should "name and shame" and let us know which university it is. I presume it is UCD.

Seanad: Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (13 Dec 2005)

David Norris: Apparently, we have the benefit of the expertise of universities. The Minister goes on to say the groceries order does not and never has operated as a ban on below-cost selling, which may well be true. He also makes interesting points about the difference between invoice price and cost price, which leads me to the conclusion that the specific practice of below-cost selling should be...

Seanad: Competition (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (13 Dec 2005)

David Norris: The order must be examined but differently from the Minister's approach. I am a discordant voice in this; it is not good for the consumer. If it is, it is good for the middle classes, who are over-represented in this House. We must take into consideration the views of those organisations in our society that seek to protect the most vulnerable. I am not convinced this legislation will do that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Dec 2005)

David Norris: I support the calls for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to the House and make a statement. We should have a debate on the matter, at the very least. However, I find myself in some disagreement with my colleague and friend, Senator Brian Hayes. I do not think the Connolly response is more important than the issues facing the Minister. Mr. Connolly is a single...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Dec 2005)

David Norris: Will the Leader ask the Minister, if he is not able to come to the House, to answer two specific questions? The Minister indicated that democracy was under threat and there was a threat to public safety. If he is not able to come to the House I ask the Leader to inquire of him as to the nature of that threat to the State. The Minister has not spelled that out. In what manner was it properly...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Dec 2005)

David Norris: Under the Constitution. The Senator should remember that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Dec 2005)

David Norris: That is a completely separate issue.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Dec 2005)

David Norris: Why does the Senator not deal with the abuse of power?

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Dec 2005)

David Norris: I disagree with my distinguished colleague, Senator Brian Hayes, on the notion that no one should set up an inquiry except the Government. It is quite possible for people to establish an inquiry, and for the public to decide. I am somewhat concerned at moves on the part of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, in the other House, since someone has been named. I...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Dec 2005)

David Norris: I very much welcome and look forward to a strong and robust inquiry, properly established by this House.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Dec 2005)

David Norris: They should stop shouting. I cannot hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Dec 2005)

David Norris: It is because there is an election and the politicians are all trying to buy votes. Let us be honest, it is as simple as that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Dec 2005)

David Norris: You are boasting now, Leader.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Dec 2005)

David Norris: I agree with my colleagues about the importance of examining clearly the question of CIA flights through Shannon Airport. I am grateful that we are in the process of setting up a committee to examine this. It seems clear that we have reached a tipping point, that the world community is now gravely concerned and the attitudes of governments are changing in this regard. Last night, President...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Dec 2005)

David Norris: If I may, I will finish this point, as some things must be stated and corrected. Khaled el-Masri's experiences reflect our points exactly. He was kidnapped, his clothes were slashed from him and he was drugged by the insertion of a suppository. He was then shackled to an aeroplane and was taken to Afghanistan to be tortured. One other point must be corrected. The Minister for Justice,...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Dec 2005)

David Norris: He was incorrect with regard to one or two points. For example, regarding the business of torture, what the Americans are now proposing is infinitely worse than what was found at Castlereagh. The Senator is correct to state that the Government took the British Government to court and got a ruling that three practices, namely, the use of white noise, sleep deprivation and hooding, constituted...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Dec 2005)

David Norris: Hence, Condoleezza Rice also lied yesterday.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Dec 2005)

David Norris: This House led the way in alerting the public to what is happening regarding extraordinary rendition. It is appropriate that we continue to do this. The United States authorities and people such as Vice-President Cheney actively endorse and approve of torture. However, people in American society, such as Republican Senator John McCain, are so concerned about this that Senator McCain put down...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Dec 2005)

David Norris: Good.