Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

During the debate on Report Stage in this House, a commitment was made that further consideration would be given to increasing fines for breaches of the building code. This is a matter of interest to Deputy Durkan. Section 9 already provides for substantial increases in fines. For example, the fine of €5,000 cited in the Bill was increased from £800. I am advised that €5,000 is the maximum fine for the jurisdiction of the District Court. Accordingly, it is not within our remit to propose to increase the figure beyond €5,000. The fine will, therefore, be increased to the maximum available within the jurisdiction of the District Court.

The section originally provided for an amendment to section 9 to provide for an increase in the maximum fine for conviction on indictment from £10,000 to €25,000. I propose to increase the original fine further to €50,000. I hope Deputies from all parties will welcome the amendment which will act as a deterrent for those who may consider it profitable to be non-compliant with building code regulations. When enacting legislation in this area, particularly at a time of major construction work, I want to ensure no one emerges from the back woods, cowboy fashion, believing it is possible to evade their responsibilities with impunity. They will be caught and heavily fined, particularly if convicted on indictment.

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