Vol. 566 No. 3
192 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is intended to implement the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission on penalties for minor offences, particularly the recommendation that fines should be adjusted according to people's ability to pay and that corporations should pay higher fines than individuals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12774/03]
The Law Reform Commission's report referred to by the Deputy was published in February.
My Department is examining its recommendations and the issues raised. In particular, its recommendations in relation to the application of the principle of equality of impact are being examined in the context of a fines Bill. This Bill, while primarily intended to update existing fines and provide a mechanism for indexation, will also include provisions relating to the assessment of means for the imposition of fines and the payment of fines by instalment.
The Courts Service Board established a working group, chaired by Mr. Justice Niall Fennelly, to examine and report on the organisation and jurisdictions of the courts. It is also considering, inter alia, jurisdictional issues raised in the Law Reform Commission's report. The group's work is being undertaken in modules and it will complete its work on the first module, criminal jurisdiction, in the coming months. For my part in examining the conclusions of that committee, I will be glad to have the commission's examination of the criminal jurisdictional limits of the District Court available to me.
