Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 January 2011
128 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform his plans to allow persons the opportunity to pay any fine imposed on them by way of instalments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3083/11]
View answerThe Fines Act 2010 includes provision for the payment of fines by instalment. Section 15, when commenced, will allow a person on whom a fine has been imposed to make an application to the court to pay a fine in this way. It will be possible to pay a fine over a period of 12 months and exceptionally, over a 2 year period. I will commence these provisions as soon as necessary enhancements have been made to the Courts Service ICT system. Section 14 of the Act has however been commenced with effect from 4 January, 2011. This requires the court to take into account the person's financial circumstances before determining the amount of the fine, if any, to be imposed.
