Results 19,081-19,100 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (4 May 2005)

David Norris: These people should be subject to an automatic fine of €200 when they recover with a thick head in the morning.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Apr 2005)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Apr 2005)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Apr 2005)

David Norris: I wish to comment briefly on two matters raised by Senator Ross. The Senator is correct and with the help of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, we could have a question and answer session with a Minister instead of a speech. I have protested on many occasions when Ministers talk for a lot longer than any individual contributor in the House would be permitted to — Ministers are not...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Apr 2005)

David Norris: I accept that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Apr 2005)

David Norris: I am very glad to say that the Cathaoirleach is definitely a latitudinarian in these matters, but it is wrong and unfair. It would be much more efficient to have a question and answer session. Often Ministers simply read a prepared script, which may or may not address the main issues of the motion, or may seek politically to evade them. A script cannot possibly address the arguments raised...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Apr 2005)

David Norris: Yes, I have and will move on to that very quickly. I hope the Leader will raise these concerns with the Minister. Will she give some indication when No. 19, motion 6 on the Order Paper in the names of Senators Norris, Ross and Henry will be raised? It is about overseas development aid. The Leader and I were at a very interesting meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. Once again,...

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (21 Apr 2005)

David Norris: I have damn-all sympathy for them. There is a question of our own behaviour as citizens. The health service has changed. I listened to the Tánaiste on the monitor in my office and she mentioned the time when one used to ring up and ask which hospital was on call. It would have been either the Mater Hospital or St. Vincent's Hospital, in the north and south of the city. Now there are six...

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (21 Apr 2005)

David Norris: The Minister of State stole my point but he is very welcome to it. It shows that he is on the ball. To think that one in four citizens visits accident and emergency departments is, to quote Seán O'Casey, "unnatural". Something must be amiss for there to be so many people visiting accident and emergency departments. One of the reasons for it is the way the entire system is structured. When I...

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (21 Apr 2005)

David Norris: I remember within approximately three weeks of the Tánaiste assuming the post of Minister for Health and Children, she was questioned very aggressively about why there were still flaws in the health service. The problems facing the health service will not be solved instantly and easily. It will take time to seriously tackle these problems. While we are correct in monitoring the Minister's...

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (21 Apr 2005)

David Norris: I will not pretend I have the wisdom to resolve this problem, but I have some comments to make. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Conor Lenihan, to the House. In particular, I wish to show some solidarity with the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. She has shown great courage in seeking this job for herself. Politically,...

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (21 Apr 2005)

David Norris: She is deceased. We can talk about her because she is dead. I am only saying good things about her.

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (21 Apr 2005)

David Norris: Maureen Potter would have had great play with Ben Dunne and his trolleys.

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (21 Apr 2005)

David Norris: I also wish to say that we now have very high expectations. We appear to have forgotten we are perishable goods and have some degree of responsibility for our own behaviour. Apart from issues with facilities, staffing and safety precautions, one of the critical problems for accident and emergency departments is the atrocious and unacceptable behaviour of people who are high as kites on drink...

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (21 Apr 2005)

David Norris: People who cause a fracas and consequently cause danger and risk to other seriously ill patients should be arrested and charged.

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 Apr 2005)

David Norris: I join with Members in expressing concern about the plight of Irish consumers. Today, the newspapers are quoting from a report that states that the Irish consumer is not getting a fair deal. However, I worry about the removal of the prohibition on below cost selling. This will be the death knell of small retail grocery stores.

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 Apr 2005)

David Norris: It gives the enormous multinational chains an unfair advantage. Although there may be immediate small gains for individual consumers, ultimately it will be negative for them. I wish to raise another issue. Last week, we referred to the worrying situation where a security test of some kind took place at Dublin Airport. At the time, I felt it was a media-driven event, akin to bringing a...

Seanad: Order of Business. (21 Apr 2005)

David Norris: Bravo.

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Apr 2005)

David Norris: Senator Brian Hayes has raised the matter of the election of the Pope. I have made my mixed and doubtful feelings known on a previous occasion and it would be indecorous for me to revisit those sentiments this morning. It is very natural——

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Apr 2005)

David Norris: I understand that and I do not propose to. It is perfectly natural and appropriate to send good wishes to anybody entering a new and onerous job and I am happy to do so. The new Pope has chosen one of the most beautiful Papal names. Benedictus is someone who is well spoken, speaks positively and in a godly fashion. I wish that he is able to find in himself the qualities to live up to this...