Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

To be honest, it is much of a muchness to me. I do not wish to get involved in the politics of competitive penalisation for offences. Let us remember that in the case of a summary offence, it has to be a minor offence under the Constitution. The seriousness of the offence has to be taken into account. I will think about this between now and Report Stage. I will consult the Parliamentary Counsel as to whether €3,000 is, in the view of the Attorney General, a permissible penalty for a summary offence. If it is, I cannot see that there is anything sacrosanct about €2,500. However, €3,500 is certainly getting to the upper limits of penalties for summary offences. I am cautious about going too far in this regard.