Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am standing in for the Minister, Deputy Shatter, who has to attend to other business this afternoon. He sends his apologies.

I propose to take amendments Nos. 1 and 2 together. In the Bill, as it stands, only fines greater than €100 in value can be paid by instalments. However, under section 6(5)(b) where more than one fine is imposed at a court sitting, these fines can be added together and if the total exceeds €100 they can also be paid by instalments.

The Minister has considered this provision further in consultation with the Courts Service and has decided to replace the provision in subsection (5)(b). Amendments Nos. 1 and 2 provide instead that where a number of fines are imposed which do not qualify to be paid by instalments, the judge can take this into account in fixing the due date for payment. This could result in the judge fixing a later due date for payment for three €50 fines than he or she would have fixed in the case of one fine of €150, which could be paid by instalments, had been imposed.