Vol. 572 No. 1
176 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the Garda authorities have not acted on foot of a court order that, in default of payments to their former partner, a person (details supplied) would be imprisoned, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22562/03]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that this matter was dealt with in Circuit Court No. 8 on 14 July 2002, where the person in question pleaded guilty and was sentenced to an 18 months suspended sentence and bound to the peace for 18 months. In addition, he was ordered to pay compensation of €7,300, of which €500 was to be paid immediately and €2,000 was to be paid before 30 June 2002. The balance was to be paid in instalments of €400 until the full amount was paid.
I understand that the solicitors for both parties were given the responsibility of ensuring that the payments were made and that a specific bank account was to be set up for this purpose. I am also informed that Garda inquiries have established that there is no court order in existence which would oblige the Gardaí to enforce the default of payments by the person in question.
