Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senators for their contributions. I am restricted to the subject matter before us but will deal with the matter raised by Senator Browne. Most Members of both Houses support the principle that fines be kept up to date and it is an issue that has been discussed on many occasions in both Houses. However, it is a complex legal area and we do not wish to amend the legislation in a piecemeal manner.

As the Senator will be aware a fines Bill is being drafted in the Parliamentary Counsel's office and I am advised that it is due for publication before the end of this Dáil session. I am also told that the Bill provides for a system of updating the value of all existing fines which can be imposed in the District Court, and maintaining the value of those fines in the future. Low inflation such as we have at present ensures fines remain relevant for longer periods.

On the matter raised by Senator Ryan, the objective of the amendments to the Animal Remedies Act 1993 falls into two broad categories. On the question of fees the intention is for the industry to pay them directly to the IMB.