Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 October 2004
170 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his policy on the imposition of on the spot fines for those who commit public order offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24932/04]
View answerMy proposals on the imposition of fixed charges for certain public order offences are contained in the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 which I published in July this year. Section 29 of that Bill amends the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to provide for a fixed penalty procedure for certain public order offences under that Act. The procedure will apply to an offence under section 4, intoxication in a public place, and section 5, disorderly conduct in a public place. It is intended that the fixed penalty procedure will be an alternative to criminal proceedings being taken in the first instance. The Bill is awaiting Second Stage in the Dáil.
