Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senator Bacik on this point. It is unfortunate that, although the Government made an amendment, it did not see fit to reformulate the wording in question. What is appropriate is what is proportionate, fair and reasonable. It is not to speak about what is "otherwise appropriate" and then make changes. I can see the intent. We all agree on that, namely, to provide for the mitigation of a fine because of financial hardship. One can also apply a higher fine in the reverse direction. However, the wording, "appropriate or otherwise appropriate", is where the problem lies.