Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 Jun 1991

Vol. 409 No. 10

Written Answers. - Public Indecency Offence.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

53 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice whether it has been drawn to his attention that urinating in the public streets is becoming a considerable problem; when fines for this act were last reviewed; and the level at which they now stand.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are not aware that the behaviour referred to by the Deputy is becoming a considerable problem. It does not in itself constitute an offence — unless an offence such as public indecency is established — and consequently the question of a fine does not arise.

Where public indecency is involved prosecutions can be taken in accordance with section 5 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Ireland) Amendment Act, 1871, which provides for a fine of £5 or two months imprisonment or section 18 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1935. The penalties for an offence under the latter section were increased by section 18 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act, 1990. The penalties are currently a fine not exceeding £500 or up to six months imprisonment or both.