Results 19,241-19,260 of 20,831 for speaker:David Norris

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Feb 2005)

David Norris: The issues are quite clear. There are two insurers. The Government has traditionally paid 80% of premiums but now consultants are questioning the current Administration's right to obtain a fair deal. The Government has merely said to the consultants that they should not jump the gun in order that it can squeeze the maximum possible amount out of the two British insurers involved. Why not do...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Feb 2005)

David Norris: I listened yesterday to a hospital consultant who said that the assurance she gave, even though it is in writing, is not good enough. What reason was given for making this assertion? It was stated that the members of the Cabinet could not be trusted and provided the examples of the Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, giving a commitment to the United Nations on overseas development aid — a...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Feb 2005)

David Norris: Yes. The second example provided involved the case of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe. The consultant asked why, when the Taoiseach had given two solemn, serious undertakings in respect of matters of considerable national and international importance and then welched on them, should he and his colleagues believe anything that is said unless it is notarised by a legal authority. That is a pity...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Feb 2005)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Feb 2005)

David Norris: Hear, hear. It is time that much was admitted.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Feb 2005)

David Norris: I do not think he is well.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Feb 2005)

David Norris: I am not sure if it is appropriate but I would like to attempt a little advertising. A briefing session will be held tomorrow relating to the Civil Registration Bill in the audio-visual room between 3.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. If any Members have questions, problems or reservations about the Bill, which I hope to introduce next Wednesday in Private Members' time, they might like to come along to...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Feb 2005)

David Norris: I am a little more careful. That brings the whole thing into some disrepute. I would like a debate on the Middle East. There are some positive indications but they are extremely tentative and I am still concerned. I listened this morning to what was said by spokespersons for Mr. Sharon. They have agreed what appears to be a ceasefire, although they hedged around that, but there will be no...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Feb 2005)

David Norris: No, but quite a few of them are. A vote is a vote. Senator Mooney ought to know that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Feb 2005)

David Norris: He never managed to get enough to get into the Dáil.

Seanad: Order of Business. (3 Feb 2005)

David Norris: I support Senator Brian Hayes's suggestion that the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation be convened only if the purpose is to provide a forum where the contending parties in the North could have an opportunity to meet on the margins because otherwise, it is just a talking shop and would not do any good. If, however, it provides an opportunity for these kinds of off the record discussions, it...

Seanad: Parental Leave (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (2 Feb 2005)

David Norris: I am very grateful to Senator O'Toole, not only for giving me the last five minutes of his time but also for making such a strong, coherent and dispassionate case for the inclusion of same-sex couples in this Bill. This is an important matter. Usually the explanatory memoranda of Bills are helpful but not in this case, which assumes a familiarity with the principal Act that busy...

Seanad: Tsunami Disaster: Statements. (2 Feb 2005)

David Norris: They would be right to think that.

Seanad: Tsunami Disaster: Statements. (2 Feb 2005)

David Norris: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. He is right to state that the tsunami was an appalling catastrophe. It was a reminder of the immense power of nature. The first photographs I saw scarcely moved me because they were flat satellite photographs — the wave just looked like a kind of ripple. I was moved by a photograph I saw in a newspaper of people on a tourist beach. There was a...

Seanad: Tsunami Disaster: Statements. (2 Feb 2005)

David Norris: No, he did not quite say that. I do not intend to waste my time challenging Senator Dardis's interruptions. The impact of the wave was significantly less in areas in which mangrove swamps had not been removed to create beaches. The impact of the wave under the surface of the sea was minimised in areas where the despoliation of coral reefs had not taken place. I understand that less than 50%...

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Feb 2005)

David Norris: Yes, thank you. I wish to comment on the unfortunate day in the various committees yesterday. The American ambassador did not turn up at the meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, of which I and Senator Ryan are members, and there was a last minute change. The committee has no compellability with respect to foreign ambassadors and must deal with them in a courteous and diplomatic...

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Feb 2005)

David Norris: Exactly.

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Feb 2005)

David Norris: I am in my love nest.

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Feb 2005)

David Norris: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Feb 2005)

David Norris: Except mine.