Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Bill before the House is a straightforward effort to deal with the case of Grant v.the Governor of Cloverhill Prison. It is right to introduce this amendment to ensure that the arrangements are clear for Dublin and that it is permitted in the District Court rules.

Regarding the broader point that Members have made, the Government introduced legislation on the payment of fines, which was passed a couple of months ago. Since it was passed, the courts have been working hard to ensure that they can implement it. Some technology had to be implemented and other arrangements had to be put in place before the legislation could be implemented effectively by the courts. That was important work. It is completed now and the legislation will be implemented from 11 January next year. It means that attachment orders can be made, and there is the new opportunity to pay fines by instalment. Clearly, that should result in more efficient management where fines have been ordered to be paid.

If people still refuse to pay fines, the penalties are more severe in terms of both fines and jail sentences. Those who insist that they will break the law and who do not use the various opportunities that will be provided through the implementation of the fines legislation from 11 January will face much more severe punishment. I believe that is right. If one breaks the law and does not pay what the law tells one to pay, and one is given every opportunity to pay it, ultimately there will be a severe penalty if one insists on breaking the law.