Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I am sure the Minister will make me aware of that. This system is a nonsense. The Minister should accept this amendment. It makes no difference to him. There are better ways of dealing with the matter. In the other House this morning the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform said that approximately a dozen people were in prison for not paying fines. I do not know how many of those fines referred to TV licences but that kind of situation recurs time and again for people who owe money. It is unacceptable. We should move on, take ourselves out of the dark ages and be a bit more civilised, modern and responsible. I ask the Minister of State to accept the amendment.