Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

While I appreciate the intent of the Bill, it is, as my colleague, Deputy Dara Calleary, pointed out, already out of date. I am not blaming the Minister of State for this, but some blame should certainly be laid at the door of his departmental officials who have a duty to keep themselves abreast of these matters and ensure legislative proposals are up to date no matter what Government is in place. As the permanent government, they have a duty, as much as the Minister of the day, to bring forward this matter.

There is some nice cosy language in the Bill about the seizing of assets which in the old days was done by the sheriffs and the landlords. I hate to be repetitive, but, as I said before, the Bill makes no provision for civil fines or pecuniary penalties. There was a real opportunity to make important changes under section 14A, but it was missed because of a lack of joined-up thinking between the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Justice and Equality which might have facilitated an extension of the restorative justice programme. The courts are full. Moreover, there is no better way to hurt the people involved than through their pockets and ego - the pride they have in themselves and their good name. Sentencing them to community service would save taxpayers the cost of their imprisonment. They should be put to work on community projects such as clean-up of towns, villages and so on.

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