Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 315: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in the context of people's difficult financial circumstances at this time, he will request the courts to accept payment of fines in instalments or deferral of payments when a person has not got the means to pay a fine in full on the due date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28457/09]

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 in instalments over a period not exceeding one year. An extension of not more than 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. The Bill also introduces the concept of "equality of impact" under which the court may reduce or raise the otherwise appropriate fine in accordance with a person's financial circumstances.