Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

With regard to the level of fines the Deputy will be aware that the recently published Fines Bill will increase the general level of fines across a range of offences.

Members of the Garda Síochána use the Public Order Act to deal with offensive behaviour, such as that described by the Deputy.

The Criminal Justice Act provides, not for on-the-spot fines, but for a letter to issue to people who have been arrested for those offences. In those circumstances they are given the option of paying a fixed penalty or facing prosecution.

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