Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

Given the enormous transaction level in the District Court, it is inevitable that at any given time a significant number of bench warrants will be awaiting execution. It should be borne in mind that the vast majority of the outstanding bench warrants relate to unpaid fines for minor infractions of the law rather than convictions arising from violent crime. In addition, the Garda Síochána gives priority to the execution of warrants against those it believes to be involved in serious crime.

I have discussed this matter with the Garda Commissioner and he has assured me that the Garda authorities are committed to strengthening the warrant enforcement process. He has discussed the execution of warrants with each regional assistant commissioner and a range of measures aimed at reducing the number of warrants on hand have been identified and are being implemented. These measures include the assignment of additional gardaí to this function and the appointment of inspectors with responsibility for execution of outstanding warrants. The position is being closely monitored by senior Garda management and consideration will also be given at an organisational level to further measures as necessary to address the situation.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that as a result of special measures taken in the Dublin metropolitan region, there has been an increase of 17% in the number of warrants executed between January and August this year compared to the same period last year. I am further informed that 36,972 bench warrants are recorded and remain to be enforced.

I intend to seek Government approval for a fines Bill which will provide for the payment of fines by instalment and an improved means of assessing the capacity of a person to pay a fine. As many warrants relate to financial penalties, these proposals should result in a smaller number of warrants being issued and thereby reduce pressure on the system. I am also considering other legislative measures in this area. The warrant system will continue to be monitored, particularly with a view to making whatever changes may be necessary to improve its operation.

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