Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I mentioned on Committee Stage that I was considering tabling an amendment to section 52(2)(b) to increase the penalty for causing disaffection. The subsection as currently drafted provides for a fine on conviction and indictment not exceeding €25,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years. If the indictable penalty of two years is left that way, there would be no power of arrest available to the Garda. This amendment provides for a power of arrest by increasing the term of imprisonment to five years. In keeping with that, the amount of the fine is also being increased to €50,000. That would align the penalty provisions in this section with those in section 53(2)(b), as they will be following acceptance of amendments Nos. 22 and 23.