Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As many Senators said, he was a champion, a hero and brave and courageous at a time when it was very unpopular for him to be so. Many admired and modelled themselves upon him and joined his fight. Some might have done so belatedly while others did not join at all because they were afraid and did not have Senator Norris' courage to go to Europe or elsewhere for what he deemed right. When the footnotes of Irish history are written, Senator Norris will be noted as a rock, a lighthouse and a shining jewel for the way in which he helped to save our country and transform it, not in one act but in many, as many Senators have said.

I thank the Senator on my own behalf for what he has done, not least being returned to the Seanad on eight occasions, which, in spite of the wiliness of the Cathaoirleach and Senators Paddy Burke, Coghlan and Wilson, is an extraordinary act. I hope many of us will be able to emulate that feat not only in the Seanad but also in the Lower House. It is important that the Senator's electoral record is acknowledged and that tributes are paid to him and also to his administrative assistant, Ms Miriam Smith, for the work she has done. She has always been with the Senator and has stood beside, worked with and challenged him.