Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. We welcome the passing of this Bill.

Incarceration should also be the last resort in any penal system. The numbers of persons who have been sent to prison for non-payment of fines is outrageous and I welcome the steps being taken to tackle that issue. Nevertheless, consideration must also be given to the economic climate and the inability of some people to pay fines due to their economic circumstances. Some people do not have sufficient cash to meet their outgoings. These two issues cannot be disconnected. I am sure members of the Judiciary will show leniency in cases where people are clearly unable to pay. My party frequently argues for the inclusion in legislation of an inability to pay clause. Perhaps the Minister of State will relay that message to the Minister for Justice and Equality.