Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I indicated on Report Stage in this House that I would address the circumstances raised by Members on both sides of the House and bring forward an amendment on Committee Stage in the Seanad. This section prohibits the disclosure of information except in specified circumstances. It will be for the prosecuting authorities and the courts to determine this. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the offence, a summary offence carries a fine of up to €5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months or both. An indictable offence carries a fine of up of €50,000 or a maximum of two years imprisonment or both. The fines and prison terms have been advised by Parliamentary Counsel as appropriate for the offences under this section. They are separate offences to the main offence dealt with in section 2. They are deemed to be appropriate and commensurate.

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