Results 18,961-18,980 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Jun 2005)

David Norris: This is completely ridiculous. This is the most vital and interesting part of the day and instead of trying to control it and close it down, we should be expanding it and increasing our strength.

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Jun 2005)

David Norris: The idea of telling Senators there is not enough time to talk——

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Jun 2005)

David Norris: There is plenty of time and we waste time every single day.

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Jun 2005)

David Norris: I would not dream of criticising the Cathaoirleach but I am criticising the system. May I make two final points? One can forget about the referendum as far as I am concerned. To run a referendum in this country would be an absolute waste of money and a farce. Taxpayers do not want their money wasted. If we vote against the treaty, will it be decided to hold more referenda somewhere else? It...

Seanad: Nursing Homes: Statements. (1 Jun 2005)

David Norris: I agree with Senator MacSharry, but he scored a few points in his earlier remarks. However, it is a matter which should not be treated in such a manner, as one which affects the whole community. I have already spoken on the Order of Business and several times this week on this issue. A great deal of good sense has been spoken on both sides of the House, so I do not intend to use my full...

Seanad: Nursing Homes: Statements. (1 Jun 2005)

David Norris: I will not need that amount of time. However, it is important that a representative of the Independent group joins with other Members in saying that this situation must be addressed. I beg the Cathaoirleach's pardon. I am interpreting his gestures and his sign language as asking me, in effect, whether I would like to share time with Senator Ormonde. I am grateful to him for the suggestion....

Seanad: Nursing Homes: Statements. (1 Jun 2005)

David Norris: I thought that is what the Cathaoirleach was saying.

Seanad: Nursing Homes: Statements. (1 Jun 2005)

David Norris: Is that possible?

Seanad: Nursing Homes: Statements. (1 Jun 2005)

David Norris: Perhaps the Cathaoirleach might let me know when I have spoken for half the allotted time. I agree with those who have said this was a remarkable piece of reporting by RTE. It took a great deal of technical ingenuity using a small camera, whether in a tie pin or whatever. The visual image was very clear. The sound was also quite good. It was remarkable. That is what I call real investigative...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Jun 2005)

David Norris: I wish to share time with Senator Quinn.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Jun 2005)

David Norris: I also compliment the Leader of the House, since the material I received from the Disability Federation of Ireland stated she had given it an undertaking that there would be ample time for discussion of the Bill in the House. It is clear from the provision of time yesterday, today and tomorrow that there will be such provision. That is very good. The Bill is a kind of dialectic. An earlier...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Jun 2005)

David Norris: Yes. As a former teacher, it seems to me that a continuous assessment would be a good idea. Having a review at the end of three or five years is not the best way to do it. A process of continuous assessment from the beginning gives a far better chance of reaching down into the consequences of the Bill and finding out what happens. Part 3 is the most significant element of the Bill, as it...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Jun 2005)

David Norris: That is surprising, given that the Ombudsman has much on her plate already.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Jun 2005)

David Norris: I see. Why not have a disability ombudsman with just this remit?

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Jun 2005)

David Norris: That is an interesting comment and I will pass it on to the Disability Federation of Ireland. Its representatives were very interested in the idea of a disability commissioner based on the precedent of the language commissioner that was created recently.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Jun 2005)

David Norris: I will relay that point back to the disability groups. I am glad there will be a separate section in the Office of the Ombusdman. I understood from the speech by the Minister of State that it was all coming under the remit of the Ombudsman, who is already over-burdened. If the Minister of State can assure the House that there will be staffing and funding specifically dedicated to the issue,...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Jun 2005)

David Norris: This provision must be copperfastened. This will have been a useful debate if we have teased this much out, namely, the clear commitment to the House by the Minister of State that there will be ring-fencing of the staffing and resources for a new section within the Office of the Ombudsman. That will satisfy the requirements of the DFI. I am also confident that the other points made by our...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Jun 2005)

David Norris: If Senator Brian Hayes wishes to achieve support, I would be happy to second this motion, following discussions with my colleagues on the Independent benches. He may prefer, however, to have it seconded by a Member within his party. If he agrees, I will second the motion.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Jun 2005)

David Norris: He has signalled that he will accept that offer. My colleagues join me in supporting this motion. It is an important issue and I congratulate Deputy Brian Hayes on taking this initiative. I do not believe there is any party division on this issue. This is a moment when the Seanad can respond directly and immediately. For the Fine Gael Party to cancel its long-standing commitment to this...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Jun 2005)

David Norris: I thank the Cathaoirleach for that and note it will be discussed.