John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I move amendment No. 23:

In page 13, line 27, to delete "5" and substitute "10".

This amendment arises from consultations with the Garda Síochána in the context of increases in the penalties and pertains to the maximum terms of imprisonment on conviction for an offence under legislation serving as a greater deterrent, especially for serious breaches. My Department has reflected on this matter in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. We are satisfied the existing penalties on summary conviction are adequate. However, in the case of conviction on indictment, I propose to increase the maximum term of imprisonment from five years to ten years, which is broadly equivalent to the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. Although the ethos of the Bill remains a supportive one, it is important that it includes an adequate deterrent to discourage abuse of charities by unscrupulous individuals, particularly in respect of serious fraud, money laundering or terrorism.

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