Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

Section 12 provides that the documentation required under this Bill is privileged unless it is required to be disclosed in the interests of public safety and it prevents communication of such information unless it is required to enforce the provisions of this Bill or the terms of the Protocol. This section prohibits the disclosure of information except in specified circumstances. It will be for the prosecuting authorities in the courts to determine this. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the offence, a summary conviction carries a fine of up to €5,000 or imprisonment up to six months or both, while an indictable offence carries a fine up to €50,000 or a maximum of two years' imprisonment or both. The fines and the prison terms have been advised by Parliamentary Counsel as appropriate for the offences under the section. They are separate offences from the main offence dealt with in section 2 and they are deemed to be appropriate and commensurate.