Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

This section provides that the making of false or misleading statements or providing false or misleading information to the national and or international authorities is an offence. It will be for the prosecuting authorities and the courts to determine this. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the offence, a summary offence carries a fine up to €5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months or both. An indictable offence carries a fine of up to €50,000 or up to two years' imprisonment or both. The fine and the prison sentences have been advised by the Parliamentary Counsel as appropriate and commensurate for the offences under this section. They are separate offences from the main offence dealt with in section 2.