Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 140: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has put in place an instalment system, whereby fines imposed by a court can be discharged by way of weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments, rather than the current system, whereby it is demanded in one lump sum payment, after a period of time being allowed to accumulate same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24386/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Fines Bill 2009, which is currently before the House and awaiting Committee Stage, makes provision for the payment of fines by instalments. Section 14 of the Bill allows a person on whom a fine has been imposed, to apply to the court to pay the fine by instalments. If the court is satisfied that to pay in full by the due date would cause undue financial hardship, it can direct that the fine be paid by instalments over a period not exceeding one year. An extension of not more that a further year may be given by the court where it is satisfied that the financial circumstances of the person have changed and the change is not due to that person's culpable neglect.