Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 3:

In page 6, between lines 10 and 11, to insert the following:

3.—The Minister may, upon the coming into effect of this section, having regard to -

(a) changes in the value of money generally in the State since the passing of this Act or the last previous exercise of the power under this section, and

(b) the need to ensure the continued effectiveness of the fines under this Act with respect to the enforcement of the provisions of this Act,

by order amend any section by substituting for the amount standing specified for a fine in those provisions for the time being, an amount that is greater than that amount.

I do not have the list of amendments but I presume the amendment deals with fines. There was much comment on this issue during Committee Stage debate. What we are talking about is indexing the fines. At the time the Minister stated a new Bill would be introduced, and it is with the Attorney General, on the issue of indexing fines. Has the Minister of State any further comment to make? I was hoping that the heads of the Bill would be ready.

On enforcement and breaking the law in regard to people's health, we have seen more than enough of that in recent years where because fines are not in keeping with the crimes committed people ignore the law. Enforcement is more effective if fines are kept up to date. Has the Minister of State anything more to say on that issue? When the matter was pushed on Committee Stage he said it was being discussed with the Attorney General.

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