Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

The amendment proposes to increase fine penalties and arises from a recommendation in the Hogan report which has been incorporated in sections 47 and 48. Section 47(b) increases to €5,000 the maximum fine for the offence of withholding information in relation to stolen property under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. The offence is a summary offence and the new level of €5,000 is considered the maximum for summary offences. The offence continues to provide for a period of up to 12 months imprisonment in addition to the fine.

Section 48(c) increases to €5,000 the maximum fine for the offence of withholding information in relation to firearms under section 52 of the 1984 Act. Again, the offence is a summary offence and the offence continues to provide for a period of up to 12 months imprisonment in addition to the fine.