Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 427: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of fixed penalty notices that have been issued for alcohol-related disorder for the years 2007 to 2010, inclusive, and to date in 2011; the offences for which penalty notices can be issued; the amount generated through penalty notices; his plans to extend this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31306/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Section 184 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which came into operation on 1 August, 2006, inserted into the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 provision for a fixed charge procedure in relation to the offences of intoxication in a public place and disorderly conduct in a public place (sections 4 and 5 respectively of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994). The provisions were amended by sections 20 and 21 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008. The fixed charge is €100 and €140 for offences contrary to sections 4 and 5 respectively, which increases by 50% if not paid within a 28 day period. A summons issues if the charge is not paid within 56 days.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table shows the number of fixed charge notices issued for offences contrary to these sections from October, 2008 to August, 2011. It is not possible to provide statistics for the number of fixed charge penalty notices issued in 2007 and in 2008 up to October without a disproportionate use of resources.

I am informed that it is not possible to provide information on the amount generated to date by fixed charge notices for alcohol related offences without a disproportionate use of resources.

I currently have no plans to extend the scheme.