Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

Under section 4(3)(c) a person can use that defence provided he or she has informed the Garda or the Garda is otherwise aware that the car was stolen.

The question of community service might be a matter for the discretion of the court but I am not sure. While it is always useful to have the threat of prison I agree with the Deputy that the options of community service and fines should be included in legislation.

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