Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I am happy to accept two of these amendments. While I would like to accept the third I am advised it would be legally unwise to do so. Regarding the substitution of €5,000 for €3,000, there is a constitutional limit on fines for summary convictions. My advice from the Attorney General is that €3,000 is as high as the legislation can safely go on this. Accordingly I cannot accept this amendment for that reason. I would be happy to accept it but I am told it would not stand up.

I am happy to accept the proposals to increase the maximum fine for conviction on indictment to €15 million and to increase the maximum daily fine for continuing offences to €1,000 and I agree to those amendments.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.