James Bannon (Fine Gael)

It is two years since the Bill was before the House and the penalties were laid down, during which we have had the changeover from the punt to the euro. It is evident that penalties are a deterrent to crime in society. The financial penalty laid down in section 14(1) of a fine not exceeding €3,000 is too low. Will the Minister of State increase it to a minimum of €5,000?