asked the Minister for Justice if he is concerned at the number of persons serving prison terms of non-payment of fines when it is costing far more than the actual fine to keep these people in prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Non-Payment of Fines.
196.
The courts must have available means of ensuring that court orders, whether in relation to fines or any other matter, are obeyed. At present imprisonment is imposed as a sanction when fines remain unpaid. The Whitaker Committee made certain recommendations regarding seizure of property etc. in lieu of unpaid fines. As with other recommendations of that committee these are being examined.