Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

One group who will not be shouting "Hurrah" today are the 21 people jailed each day for non-payment of fines. Last Monday seven people were incarcerated because of their failure to pay fines. Over the past four years, according to figures released to a spokesperson colleague of mine, 7,500 were committed to prison for the non-payment of fines, an average of 21 people per day.

Will the Leader provide Government time for No. 13 on the Order Paper, the Enforcement of Court Orders (No. 2) Bill 2004, which is in my name? The Bill seeks to address the problem and provide for attachments to earnings. These are poor people who do not pay fines in most cases and are left in a situation where they end up in prison. This is a waste of Garda time and a waste of prison resources. The issue must be addressed. Will the Leader consult the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform with a view to providing time for this so that we may find a way forward rather than incarcerate people for the non-payment of small fines when we could set up an attachment to their social welfare or pension earnings to collect payment? It is ridiculous that 21 people a day are imprisoned for the non-payment of fines. The issue must be addressed.