Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

That would make it 40 people at any one time. The reality is that 3,500 people were imprisoned last year for the non-payment of fines. That is a lot of people. I know that fewer than 200 of those were imprisoned for non-payment of civil debt, but it is quite preposterous that so many people should be in jail for non-violent offences. It has given rise to a serious overcrowding problem in our prisons.

This Bill is welcome and it is important we recognise that there are more practical solutions. I regret that the attachment of earnings order has not been extended. I feel that is an area that we must revisit. It is absolutely essential that greater use is made of community service orders and that we develop further the concept of restorative justice in practice. The pilot areas and the studies will show that this is an effective means of dealing with societal problems without putting people behind bars.

This Bill is important at a time when people are struggling to make ends meet and when families are suffering from the ravages of unemployment and the economic downturn. If the State imposes fines lawfully, it is welcome that there are arrangements in place other than taking a person's liberty away.

I wish the Bill well and I acknowledge the Minister's initiative in this area.

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