Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, I thank Senators for their serious contributions. Many of the Government amendments proposed on Committee Stage were drawn up on foot of contributions made on Second Stage. We are grateful to Senators for providing an opportunity to us to give a fuller explanation of the points that were raised on Second Stage.

As Senator Bacik noted, the absolute priority is to keep people out of prison and provide other options, of which community service orders are one. The payment of fines by instalment will also help people to discharge their debts in a humane and much more cost-efficient manner than is currently the case.

On the point raised by Senator Barrett on social welfare, I understand the maximum weekly deduction that can be made under existing social welfare rules is €2. As a result, three years would be required to pay the average fine by means of social welfare deductions. Furthermore, the Minister was advised by the Department of Social Protection that significant work would be required on its information technology system if attachment of social welfare was to be undertaken. While it was decided not to introduce attachment of social welfare at this stage, that option may be considered again in future.

The programme for Government included a commitment to introduce this legislation, which is a significant improvement on the 2010 Act. The contributions of Senators have improved the Bill and greatly assisted its passage through the House.