Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I welcome amendment No. 33. I am not surprised by the Minister's response to amendment No. 34 and I appreciate that it would have wide-ranging implications for all legislation. However, it is something that should be examined. One can take the example of the current legislation regulating the sale and use of fireworks. The maximum fine for a person in possession of fireworks is €5, which proves how outdated legislation can become, though admittedly that is an extreme case.

It would make sense when framing legislation to index-link fines. This would enable more reasonable penalties to be imposed on those who break the law. I appreciate why the Minister of State cannot agree to that for this Bill, but it is an issue he should take up with the Attorney General and the Government. All legislation should include a provision that monetary fines will increase with inflation to avoid becoming obsolete and irrelevant.