Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

Last night I referred to the fines that can be imposed under the by-laws in operation in County Cavan. It is stated a person who contravenes the by-laws is guilty of an offence under section 40 of the Local Government Act 1994 and is liable on summary conviction or a fine of up to €1,270. This fine will be updated under the Fines Act 2010, becoming a class C fine. Once that Act is commenced, the fine, upon summary conviction, will be up to €2500. Why is it necessary to double the fine under the legislation?

When the Minister is giving his response to colleagues, I would like to afford him the opportunity to correct the record of the House. Given that I have the height of respect for him and know he would not knowingly mislead the House, I will give him the benefit of the doubt and contend that his officials might have been misinformed.