Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

On the €15,000 penalty, we have seen headlines to the effect that top Irish law firms earn €250 million in fees and that the figure for revenue per lawyer is €850,000 and €950,000 for revenue by partner. We are not serious about proposing a fine of €15,000 as a deterrent for such people. The Bill states that in making an order the tribunal shall have regard to the means of the legal practitioner concerned. These are millionaires. We should have regard to their means and impose a fine greater than €15,000.