John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 188: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the total value of all outstanding fines for each of the past five years after adjusting for appeals or cancellations; the collection rate for each year; the actions being taken to improve the system of collection; the value of outstanding fines which are deemed as impossible to collect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17838/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Under the current system for fines collection, the value of fines outstanding is assessed on the basis of a rolling 12 month period. For the 12 months to the end of December 2010, the total number of fines imposed was 120,000 with a value of €43m. After adjusting for appeals and cancellations the total number of fines collectable was 92,000 with a value of €29m. The number of collectable fines paid was 68,000 with a value of €21m resulting in a collection rate of 73% based on volume and 71% based on value. However, indications to end of May 2011 are that compliance rates both in terms of volume and value of fines collected have decreased to approximately 65%. This may, in part, be attributable to the general downturn in the economy.

I am advised that information on the value and collection rate for fines in the previous five years is not readily available but the estimated compliance rate was in the region of 50%. The improvement demonstrated in respect of the compliance rate during 2010 yielded significant additional revenue of approximately €8m to the Exchequer and results from improvements made to the fines collection process including the introduction of options for online payment facilities.

In late 2010, following a competitive procurement process for the collection of unpaid fines, a Fines Collection Service was appointed to assist in the collection process. The service is funded from a commission payment from the proceeds of fines collected and is being closely monitored. The average commission being 9%.

The Garda authorities have considerably strengthened their process of warrants enforcement in recent years. Various measures aimed at reducing the number of warrants on hand were identified and are being implemented. These measures include the re-assignment of additional Gardaí to this function and the appointment of Inspectors with responsibility for execution of outstanding warrants. The position is closely monitored by senior Garda management.

I can assure the Deputy that the area of fines collection is being kept under close review.