Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 888: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the minimum and maximum penalty for offences under the Litter Acts; if his Department has given consideration to increasing these penalties as a deterrent or imposing community service on them to pick up litter in their local area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10654/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Protection of the Environment Act 2003 made provision for conviction on indictment for litter offences with a maximum fine of €130,000, and a maximum fine per day of €10,000 for continuing offences. The Litter Pollution Acts 1997-03 do not provide for minimum penalties as such and the courts have discretion in this regard. The on-the-spot-fine for alleged offences under the Litter Pollution Acts was set at €125 from 1 January 2002.

I am satisfied that the penalties and enforcement powers under existing litter legislation are adequate and appropriate, and there are no proposals to change the law along the lines mentioned in the question.