Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

I move amendment No. 37:

In page 40, between lines 43 and 44, to insert the following:

38.—As soon as practicable after the passing of this Act, the Minister shall present proposals to the Oireachtas for the application of fines under the Principal Act based on the means of the offender rather than of fixed maxima that apply to all cases.".

This was discussed on Committee Stage. It is a practice in foreign jurisdictions that the wealthier people pay a higher fine. I asked the Minister to consider such a provision. In countries such as Germany and Switzerland, variable fines are applied depending on the income of the individual. If a person flagrantly breaks the law, there is some method of redress which will hurt a person who may be very wealthy or a millionaire. I ask the Minister to consider such a provision.

See this speech in context