Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let me give an example. I know of a lady in a case involving a non-defended litter fine. She did not attend court and was fined €980. She has no money to pay that fine. Even if she could afford to pay €5 now and €10 then and pay in instalments, that is not permitted. I understand the fine has to be paid in full. This is unacceptable in a modern world, notwithstanding that the case should have been defended. People should never be put in the position this lady has been put in. An offence has been committed and a fine should be paid, but there is no way the person should be sent to prison.