Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 11 July 2018

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Illegal Dumping: Discussion

1:30 pm

Mr. Gerard O'Leary:

In terms of tightening up the legislation, one of the relevant areas is that we send a number of files to the DPP. They are extensive files and they should be because the maximum fine is €15 million, but we have gone from a €20 million fine, which was two charges of €10 million to the other extreme of €25,000. I am not saying that both cases were identical but I would say that the gap between the two was not as big. If it was within the committee's gift there I would say that there should be clarity that if this offence is committed or the licences are breached then this is what the likely penalty is.