Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I support this sensible amendment, which would clarify the meaning of section 6(10). It is worth emphasising that with debts of this nature, the debt remains in place even after any term of imprisonment has been served. In that sense it is very different from a fine. Where people are imprisoned for non-payment of a fine, their imprisonment effectively discharges the fine since the imprisonment order is made where they are in default of paying the fine. Where somebody is imprisoned under this Bill or the current procedure for non-payment of a debt, the debt remains in place. It is important that the level of debt that is owing is made clear to him or her and that no greater debt is assumed to be owing as a result of lack of clarity in the legislation.