Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:116. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when the Government plans to recognise the ethnicity of the Traveller community in this State. [20179/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraTraveller Community
Ceisteanna (116)
Freagraí scríofa
At my request - and following an earlier round of consultations with other Departments and the Traveller community on this issue - my Department has continued its discussions with Traveller interests with a view to developing a precise understanding of the legal implications, if any, of the recognition that the Traveller community is seeking. To facilitate a focussed discussion, 4 national-level Travellers NGOs have recently agreed a formal statement of what they are seeking and what they envisage such recognition will achieve in practical terms as well as in terms of the status and position of Travellers in Irish society.
The contents of this statement, which was received in recent days, are currently being considered. My Department will now engage further with other Departments and will as appropriate seek further legal advice. I also intend to host a round-table discussion with relevant Government Departments and Traveller representatives shortly, following which I will bring forward recommendations to Government on the issue.
Garda Recruitment
Ceisteanna (117)
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:117. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures she is taking to increase recruitment of new gardaí to the force; if she will modernise the force's use of new technology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19367/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In an answer to a previous question I explained how Garda recruitment recommenced in September 2014, for the first time since 2009. Since then, 300 Garda recruits have been taken into the Garda College and the first group have already attested and are now full members of the Garda Síochána. In addition I have secured sanction for the recruitment of a further 250 Garda recruits later this year and the selection process for that is under way.
While it is the Government's intention that there will be ongoing seamless recruitment to the Force, it is not just a question of Garda numbers. The Government is also committed to ensuring that the Garda Síochána are adequately equipped and have the appropriate technical resources and the associated skilled and professional personnel to support the Gardaí in their work.
I am sure the House will agree that out-dated paper-based practices must be consigned to history and policing must move into the digital era. The recent report of the Garda Inspectorate on Crime Management has highlighted many of the issues that need to be addressed. This will require resources, but it will also require a clear vision as to how An Garda Síochána will deliver the policing service in the years ahead.
With my support, the Commissioner has already established a multi-agency working group to develop a coherent long-term ICT strategy in the wider context of the reform process. This Group is examining the types of systems required and the scale of investment necessary. This work is vital in providing a firm, evidence-based justification for additional investment which I know will be considered carefully by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin, in the context of the forthcoming multi-annual Capital Investment Framework.
Courts Service
Ceisteanna (118)
David Stanton
Ceist:118. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made by her Department in developing a community court pilot project; when she expects the pilot to become operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19360/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, I have undertaken to consider the issue of Community Courts in Ireland. It will be important to learn from international experience, and I have asked my Department to evaluate how the Community Court model will work in the Irish context, drawing from best practice, with a view to setting up a Community Court on a pilot basis in the Dublin city centre area. I envisage an initial project where stakeholders will engage in partnership, in conjunction with the local business community.
It was not possible to progress the initiative during 2014 due to the need to dedicate resources to other priority projects including the establishment of the new Court of Appeal and also to progress other ongoing projects, such as the judicial appointments review and the reform of the family law courts. However, I can assure the Deputy that the matter is currently under active consideration in my Department and it is my intention that the proposal will be further progressed in the coming months.
The Community Court is a problem-solving court and the model operates in different ways in different jurisdictions. Work commenced on setting parameters for a pilot last week with a meeting brokered by my Department among the key Justice sector stakeholders. This meeting confirmed that a considerable amount of preparatory work will need to be undertaken in collaboration with all stakeholders - both within the Justice sector and the wider community of agencies and groups whose active participation and buy in will be necessary - before the pilot project can be established successfully. Proper planning is essential and a needs assessment will first be undertaken to guide the identification of the goals and priority objectives of the pilot Community Court. It is also essential that the proposal is fully evaluated to ensure that it delivers the required results. Each of the stakeholders involved is operating with limited resources so the preparation and planning stages of the project are essential to ensure that the resources involved are used effectively. It is also important that the project would operate in a fully integrated way. The Justice sector group which met last week has identified a number of steps to be taken pending a further meeting to be held in June and my Department will be actively progressing consideration of the Community Court proposal in the coming months.
Garda Misconduct Allegations
Ceisteanna (119)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:119. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases to date that have been referred to the independent review mechanism; the number of these cases that have been concluded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19530/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As I stated in the response to the priority PQ from Deputy Collins the mechanism established for the independent review of certain allegations of Garda misconduct was an unprecedented step by this Government to bring independence and objectivity to bear on the examination of those allegations.
A panel consisting of two Senior and five Junior Counsel was established for this purpose, all selected on the basis of their experience of the criminal justice system. They have been asked to examine the papers in each case with a view to determining whether further action is warranted and practical.
A total of 319 complaints were referred to the panel of counsel. I should say that the volume and complexity of cases has led to the review taking longer than originally anticipated. However, I'm sure that Deputies will agree that it is important that counsel take the time necessary to consider each case fully and carefully. Indeed, the very number and variety of cases makes the work of counsel all the more important. There are many cases which have already been through some form of process, whether that involves the courts or GSOC or some other body. The issues in the cases also range considerably, from tragic deaths to property disputes. Clearly such a number and range of cases must be carefully triaged to see if further action is warranted.
While the review of all the allegations is not yet completed, my Department has received the recommendations of counsel in a significant number of cases. I have now received the first batch of submissions on these cases and clearly I want to start the process of writing to everyone concerned as soon as possible.
I will consider the recommendations of counsel extremely seriously, and as a general comment let me say that I cannot easily imagine circumstances where I would not follow such recommendations. In communicating with individuals, I am also anxious not only to set out the recommendation of counsel and my decision on it, but to outline as far as possible the reasons for the recommendation, subject to any legal constraints there may be. The legal advice of counsel contains in many cases comments relating to third parties, and clearly great care will have to be taken in setting out the main points made by counsel in a way which respects the rights of everyone concerned.
This process will therefore have to be carefully and appropriately managed, so as to reflect the independence and objectivity which have been the hallmark of this process to date.
I have therefore decided to appoint a former judicial figure to advise on the preparation of the letters. I believe it is better to take that time now so as to provide complete reassurance on the probity and independence of this entire process, from start to finish. I hope the House can accept that what I have decided about communicating decisions is the right course of action to take.
While it would not be appropriate to publish individual recommendations, I have considered how best information on the outcome of this process could be made public. In this regard, I have asked counsel, in addition to making recommendations in individual cases, to produce a general overview of the issues and trends which featured in this process. I believe that this may lead to the identification of issues and recommendation for change across a number of areas, which I hope will enable us to address some of the general and thematic concerns raised by those persons whose cases were examined by counsel. The report, when received, will be published by me.
Debt Collection
Ceisteanna (120)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:120. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department is planning to effect changes to the way debt is dealt with. [20218/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 6 May 2015 the Government agreed to the drafting of the Civil Debt (Procedures) Bill.
The proposed Bill will implement a number of recommendations of the Law Reform Commission (LRC) in relation to the enforcement of debt. The LRC Report published in 2010 on Personal Debt Management and Debt Enforcement made a number of recommendations for wide scale reform of the existing personal insolvency and debt enforcement regimes. Key elements of that Report in relation to insolvency and measures to assist in the resolution of personal indebtedness were implemented through enactment of the Personal Insolvency Act 2012.
The Civil Debt (Procedures) Bill seeks to implement further recommendations of the Report aimed at enforcement and recovery of debts which could be developed to streamline the existing enforcement procedures which are available to creditors. There is a need for a balanced approach in relation to civil debt to ensure the protection of creditor rights by making available a range of legal mechanisms which compel payment by “won’t pay” debtors who knowingly refuse to pay their obligations. Creditors may apply to the Court for an order enabling either attachment of earnings or deductions from social welfare payments, as appropriate, for the purpose of enforcement of debt.
Attachment of earnings would arise where a Court orders the debtor’s employer to deduct specified sums from the debtor’s earnings to pay over to the creditor. Deduction from social welfare payments would arise where the Court orders the Department of Social Protection to deduct specified sums from the debtor’s Social Welfare payments to pay over to the creditor. However, these provisions would be subject to a number of safeguards for debtors such as:-
- The provisions may only be used by a creditor after reasonable efforts to engage with the debtor have failed. In applying to court for an attachment or deduction order, as the case may be, the onus is on the creditor to demonstrate to the court the efforts he or she has made to seek repayment.
- The debtor will be offered an opportunity to make representations to the court on his or her behalf before the court may make a decision on the matter.
- Importantly, in making a decision, the Court will be required to take into account the debtor’s capacity to repay the debt in terms of the amount of the attachment or deduction which would be ordered.
- Provision is also made for variation or termination of the order if the debtor’s circumstances change materially.
Of course the Government recognises that civil debts arise as a result of a range of different causes whether from financial borrowings or the supply of goods and services, including what might be regarded as essential services. The Government's intention is that this new legislation would not provide "carte blanche" as regards the use of the proposed attachment and deduction provisions in respect of all debts regardless of their source and amount. Methods of delimiting the application of the new measures having regard to both size of debt and the nature or source of the debt are being worked on actively, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, as part of the drafting process.
Importantly, the proposed Bill will also make provision for the abolition of imprisonment of debtors except in the case of maintenance arising from family law proceedings. This implements one of the key recommendations of the Law Reform Commission in this area. Under existing law, arrest and imprisonment remains a possibility as an enforcement mechanism of last resort in cases where a creditor has proved beyond all reasonable doubt the judgment debtor has failed to comply with an instalment order due to his or her wilful refusal or culpable neglect. This Bill removes this possibility for the vast majority of debtors.
Without doubt, the most desirable situation is for creditors and debtors to reach an amicable agreement for settlement of the debt. However, the reality is that in some cases the debtor – who may actually be in a position to pay the debt - simply refuses to engage with the creditor or does not adhere to the agreed repayment schedule to satisfy an outstanding debt. It is an economic reality that creditors must have a range of options available to them to recover money owed to them particularly where the debtor has capacity to repay and will not do so.
Proposed Legislation
Ceisteanna (121)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:121. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update on when the Garda Síochána (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill will be commenced; if this legislation will be enacted in its entirety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19528/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following its passage by both Houses of the Oireachtas and signature by the President, the Garda Síochána (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2014 has been enacted as the Garda Síochána (Amendment) Act 2015.
As the Deputy will be aware, the new Act is a key element of the Government's programme of justice reform and it was commenced in its entirety on 27 April 2015.
Proposed Legislation
Ceisteanna (122)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:122. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to introduce the Judicial Council Bill; and if she will incorporate a version of the Sentencing Council, operational in England and Wales, in the Bill. [20180/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware from replies to previous PQs that the Programme for Government undertakes to “legislate to establish a Judicial Council, with lay representation, to provide an effective mechanism for dealing with complaints against judges". This commitment is being pursued by way of the proposed Judicial Council Bill which will provide for the establishment of a Judicial Council and Board of that Council to promote excellence and high standards of conduct by judges. In addition, the proposed Bill will provide for the establishment of a Judicial Conduct Committee, the membership of which will include lay persons, to facilitate the investigation of allegations of judicial misconduct.
My Department is working closely with the Office of the Attorney General to bring the Bill to a timely conclusion. My objective is to secure Government approval for the publication of the Bill during the current Dáil session and I remain committed to that objective.
In relation to the establishment of a Sentencing Council, I would note that judges are independent in the matter of sentencing, as in other matters concerning the exercise of judicial functions, subject only to the Constitution and the law. The approach of the Oireachtas has generally been to specify in law a maximum penalty for an offence, so that a court, having considered all the circumstances of a case, may impose an appropriate penalty up to that maximum. This position has been acknowledged by the Working Group on the Strategic Review of Penal Policy which took the view that the primary role of developing sentencing guidelines is the responsibility of the judiciary and not does not lie in bringing forward detailed statutory based guidelines.
In my view, given the scope of and the intent underlying the Judicial Council Bill, it is not the appropriate vehicle within which to provide for a Sentencing Council. There are currently no plans to make provision in that Bill for the establishment of such a Council. However, this matter will be kept under review.
Garda Strength
Ceisteanna (123)
Niall Collins
Ceist:123. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current total strength of An Garda Síochána; the number of gardaí who have retired per annum in the years 2010 to 2014; the estimated number of retirements in 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19374/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána on the 31 March 2015 the latest date for which figures are readily available was 12,734. The number of Gardaí who have retired for the years 2010 to 2014 are as set out in the table which I have circulated with this answer.
Members of An Garda Síochána may retire on a voluntary basis once they have reached 50 years of age and have accrued 30 years service. Members must retire on compulsory age grounds on reaching the age of 60.
It is difficult to establish an average figure for Garda retirements, particularly as the annual rate of retirements has been affected in the past by one-off factors such as the grace period which lasted until the end of February 2012. While it would not be unreasonable, therefore, extrapolating from recent experience, to expect that retirements might range somewhere between 300 and 400, it is not possible to give a scientific estimate.
Garda Retirements 2010 - 2014
|
Year |
Com |
D/Com |
A/Com |
C/Supt |
Supt |
Insp |
Sgt |
Gda |
Total |
|
2010 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
14 |
8 |
97 |
254 |
379 |
|
2011 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
8 |
22 |
19 |
106 |
286 |
444 |
|
2012 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
19 |
24 |
116 |
264 |
429 |
|
2013 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
16 |
13 |
91 |
211 |
335 |
|
2014 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
8 |
15 |
83 |
179 |
290 |
Wrongful Convictions
Ceisteanna (124)
Lucinda Creighton
Ceist:124. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views that the wrongful conviction of a person (details supplied) was a result of deliberate steps taken by the prosecution to withhold information; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19363/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, on 1 April I announced that the Government had decided to advise the President to exercise his right of pardon under Article 13.6 of the Constitution in respect of the conviction in 1941 of Mr. Harry Gleeson for the murder of Ms. Mary McCarthy.
Concerns had been raised over many years in relation to Mr Gleeson's conviction. Most recently, on foot of a submission from the Innocence Project Ireland and the Justice for Harry Gleeson Group, the Attorney General directed that the case be reviewed by Mr. Shane Murphy SC. Mr. Murphy concluded that, in his opinion, there were deficiencies in the conviction such as to render it unsafe. The Attorney concurred with this assessment, and advised that the deficiencies were such as to warrant the Government recommending to the President that he exercise his right of pardon.
Mr Murphy detailed a number of factors which led to him forming his opinion, including the failure by the prosecution to introduce particular evidence, and these are set out in detail in the statement which I issued.
It is important that I clarify that the examination carried out by Mr. Murphy was not intended to be an inquiry designed to establish all of the facts surrounding the conviction of Mr. Gleeson or indeed the murder of Ms. McCarthy. The intention in carrying out the examination was focused on determining whether a case had been made for a pardon. Accordingly, coming to a determination in relation to the motivation of any of the persons involved in the prosecution or investigation was not within the scope of the process, nor would such an exercise be warranted or feasible at this considerable remove.
As I stated when I announced the Government's decision in relation to the Presidential pardon, it is a matter of the very greatest regret that a man was convicted and executed in these circumstances. In deciding to recommend Mr Gleeson's pardon the Government is exercising the only available remedy which is to clear his name in the hope that this provides some suitable tribute to his memory. Equally the Government regrets that this leaves unresolved the murder of Ms McCarthy, which deprived her young family of their mother. The Government has expressed its sympathy with both families and all affected by this crime and the subsequent conviction.
Criminal Assets Bureau
Ceisteanna (125)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:125. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide figures on resources available to the Criminal Assets Bureau in terms of manpower and budget; and her views that organising the bureau on a regional and local level could further enhance its capability to seize the proceeds of crime from known middle and lower ranking criminals, who are causing devastation to communities. [19532/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can inform the Deputy that there are currently 67 personnel assigned to the Criminal Assets Bureau.
The staff of the Bureau comprise administrative, technical and professional staff including the Bureau Legal Officer, members of An Garda Síochána, officers of the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social and Family Affairs, under the leadership of the Chief Bureau Officer.
For the current year a budget of €7.073m has been allocated to the Bureau. This is in line with the budget levels which have been maintained for the Bureau over recent years.
More detailed information concerning the manpower and budget of the Bureau are published in the Annual Reports of the Bureau which are made available on the websites of An Garda Síochána and my Department. The Annual Report for 2014 is currently being prepared.
With regard to the establishment of a Bureau presence at regional and local level, I can say that this is an issue to which thought has been given.
The Bureau was established under statute as a national multi-disciplinary agency specialising in this area of work and there are very practical advantages to having such expertise located in one dedicated unit with the requisite authority to act on a national basis, particularly in a relatively small jurisdiction such as ours.
To achieve nationwide coverage, the Bureau has for some considerable time maintained a presence in each of the Garda Divisions through the operation of the Divisional Assets Profiler Programme.
Under this Programme asset profilers are providing a criminal asset profiling service across the Garda Divisions in relation to persons or suspects operating within the area, with particular reference to those involved in serious and organised crime. The Bureau utilises the local knowledge supplied to it by the asset profilers which allows the Bureau to target the proceeds of crime in local communities. They also assist the Bureau with preparatory groundwork in advance of a full investigation and have recourse to the expertise and advice of the Bureau.
As of May 2015 there was a total 156 trained asset profilers throughout the country. The operation of the Assets Profiler Programme and its complement of asset profilers is kept under ongoing review by the Chief Bureau Officer and training is currently underway of a further 46 Garda asset profilers.
Courts Service Administration
Ceisteanna (126)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:126. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will report on the current status of reform of the courts system; the current collaborative measures between the Courts Service, An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority; if she will report on any proposed improvements to communications systems between the three entities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19364/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, and the conduct of any case is a matter for the presiding judge. Furthermore, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act, 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service and I have no direct role in the matter.
I understand, however, that the Deputy's interest specifically relates to the management of road traffic matters in the courts and related interactions between the agencies referred to. The Deputy will appreciate that, in the first instance, road traffic legislation is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. Insofar as current collaborative measures are concerned, the Deputy will be aware that Ireland has developed a multi-agency approach to road safety through the involvement of a number of agencies working in partnership. An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service work in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority and other relevant partner agencies and institutions in the development and implementation of the actions and initiatives as set out in the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020. I can assure the Deputy there is ongoing monitoring of actions and measurement of outcomes as part of this Strategy, including under the aegis of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Road Safety, which is chaired by my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
The vast majority of road traffic infringements are dealt with by means of the Fixed Charge Processing System and the Penalty Point System. These arrangements have formed a key part in Ireland's Road Safety Strategy for several years and have gained widespread acceptance and contributed to enforcement and reduced serious injury and road fatalities. They represent an efficient and user friendly means of dealing with road traffic infringements with a majority of fixed charges being paid without recourse to court. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that these are large and complex interdependent systems requiring continuous attention and development. I can assure the Deputy that there is ongoing liaison between all of the stakeholders involved at an operational level with a view to addressing any issues that arise, and also in the development of road traffic legislation.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Criminal Justice (Fixed Charge Processing System) Working Group was established in March 2014 to take forward the Garda Inspectorate's recommendations on the operation of the FCPS. The Group is jointly chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service and the Road Safety Authority also participate in the Group along with the Revenue Commissioners, Director of Public Prosecutions, the Department of the Environment Community and Local Government, and the Office of the Attorney General. In addition to taking forward the recommendations of the Inspectorate, the Group also provides a further forum for communication and collaboration along the lines referred to by the Deputy and a number of the matters under examination relate to the exchange of information and data between the agencies in question.
Legislative Measures
Ceisteanna (127)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:127. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason it has taken over a year for the fines amendment Act to be implemented; her views on the confirmation from the Prison Service of another annual increase in prison committals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20177/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Fines (Payment and Recovery) Act 2014 represents a very significant change in the way justice is administered by the courts. As well as introducing an option for persons to pay fines by instalment, there are also changes in the way those who fail to pay fines are dealt with, as the Act provides a range of options available to judges including recovery orders, attachment of earnings, community service and ultimately imprisonment. These changes will have significant implications for agencies across the Justice sector, including the Courts and the Courts Service, An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service and the Irish Prison Service.
The changes in processes and procedures which are required to implement the new system have to be carefully developed to ensure that the new system operates effectively and efficiently from the beginning.
Work is ongoing in preparing for the implementation of the Act. The area most directly affected by the changes is the Courts and the Courts Service is working on a number of developments which will ensure that the implementation of the legislation and the new procedures which will operate under it are as efficient as possible.
There are major changes in information technology required to ensure that the instalment payment system operates effectively and that the necessary accounting procedures are in place for the recording of payments. Changes are also required in the way that information is transferred between the Courts Service and An Garda Síochána to ensure that both organisations have fully up to date information on the cases and their current status.
The introduction of payment by instalment will increase the overall workload of processing fine payments. The Courts Service is introducing new arrangements for the payment of fines which will allow payments to be made in a range of outlets across the country, and not just through Courts Service offices. A procurement process is currently underway and contract negotiations with the preferred bidder are ongoing. The service provider will have to be in place before the new system can be fully implemented. The service provider's IT system will have to link in to the Courts Service IT system.
Good progress in being made in the preparatory work. It is expected that all the preparations for the new system will be completed by the third quarter of this year. It is important that these preparations are done correctly to ensure that the significant changes being implemented in the fines system as a result of this legislation are implemented smoothly and effectively from the start.
As I stated when publishing the Annual Report for 2014 of the Irish Prison Service on 18 May 2015, despite a small increase of 2.7% in the total committals to prison the overall daily average number of prisoners in custody has continued to fall. The overall daily average number of prisoners in custody in 2014 was 3,915 compared to 4,158 in 2013, a decrease of 5.8%.
There were 16,155 committals to prison in 2014 compared to 15,735 in 2013. The increase is attributed to an 8% increase in the numbers committed on sentences of less than 3 months specifically those committed for the non-payment of a court ordered fine. I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that on 19 May 2015 six persons or (0.2%) of the prison population of 3,739 were in custody for non-payment of a court ordered fine.
The aim of the Fines (Payments and Recovery) Act is to eliminate, in so far as possible, the option of imprisonment as a sanction for fine default. Once the significant changes required to the fines system are implemented, it is expected that we will see a reduction in the number of committals to prison on short sentences.