Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

A considerable number of outstanding fines precede the coming into force of the Act. In those circumstances fines would have been imposed, with the alternative of imprisonment if they were not paid. That creates a particular difficulty because it is important to ensure people pay the fines handed down by the courts and that the integrity of the justice system is not undermined. In the context of current circumstances where court orders have been made without fines having been paid and there is no other means of recovery, unfortunately, prison remains an option for the time being. Of course, it is an option none of us wants to see used in unnecessary circumstances. I am very anxious, therefore, that this new system be put in place. It is regrettable that during the period when the Fines Bill was before the House, prior to its enactment, it seems the former Minister made no preparations of any description to put in place the necessary IT systems or programmes and that there was no forward planning to implement its provisions. That is where I found myself when we were elected to government and there was no funding available to me.

I will answer directly the question the Deputy asked me. It is estimated that it will cost approximately €400,000 to make the IT changes required. I hope to be able to secure this funding in 2012 during Government discussions on the Estimates for the new year.

See this speech in context