Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the face of it, there is an issue, but I do not believe the amendment, as structured, would resolve the issue. There could be unintended consequences. If trial judges believed defendants did not have the ability to pay the full fine, they would be forced to impose sentences or, more likely, suspended sentences in all cases and no fines would be paid.

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