Vol. 502 No. 6
281 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if fines imposed on a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim will be waived in view of the fact that he has many psychological problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8809/99]
There is no petition or application to open a petition on hand for consideration by me in respect of the person referred to by the Deputy. I have arranged to have the appropriate application form issued to the person concerned and to the Deputy.
I should, however, bring to the Deputy's attention the fact that the 1995 High Court judgment on petitions stated that the power of clemency which I may exercise must be used sparingly and only in special and exceptional circumstances. As a consequence of applying the High Court judgment to the assessment of petitions-applications to open a petition, approximately 99 per cent of petition cases which I have adjudicated on have had to be refused.
I should also mention that the existence of a petition-application to open a petition does not preclude the gardaí from enforcing warrants.
