Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I wish to clarify that we discussed this matter in some detail last week. We are not introducing legislation to put people in prison. It is a rather complex matter and people may belittle it if they have a mind to.

If one conducted an opinion poll among the Irish people, I believe most of them would not be in favour of imprisoning people for non-payment of a television licence. Approximately 1.5% of the prison population at any one time are in prison for failing to adhere to a court decision. This is usually a last resort and is not to be encouraged. If we are all in agreement that one must have a licence, it follows then that there must be some incentive for people to purchase a licence. There must be some punishment for those who refuse to purchase one. It is accepted that the provision will present a certain difficulty for some people but the Bill introduces a system to make it easier for people to pay for a licence. In cases where a person does not possess a licence, we are giving them plenty of time to make amends.

The amendment as tabled is really a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. This matter can be more adequately dealt with within the Fines Bill which will come before the House in the near future. We have discussed this matter with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and we are happy that the matter will be dealt with adequately within that Bill.