Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 February 2017
82. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who received custodial sentences for the non-payment of fines broken down by period of sentence, for example, less than one week, more than one week and less than one month, one to three months and other, for each of the years 2013, 2014 and 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7504/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service has provided the following information:
|
Warrant Overall Length Grp |
Year 2013 |
Year 2014 |
Year 2015 |
|
Less than 1 week |
3,568 |
3,856 |
4,230 |
|
1 week to less than a month |
3,959 |
4,570 |
5,211 |
|
1 month to less than 3 months |
413 |
395 |
306 |
|
3 months to less than 6 months |
180 |
157 |
134 |
|
6 months to less than 12 months |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
12 months to less than 24 months |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Total |
8,121 |
8,979 |
9,883 |
For all fines imposed up to 10th January, 2016, the Judge, in fixing the fine, also fixed the period of time to be spent in prison if the fine wasn't paid.
The Deputy will be aware that with effect from 11 January, 2016 the Fines (Payment and Recovery) Act 2014 was commenced with the new system for the payment and recovery of fines being implemented on that date. Under this Act the law has been radically reformed in relation to the payment and recovery of fines. The Act provides an appropriate response to the problems of the refusal or failure of some people to pay fines and the inappropriateness of imprisonment as the automatic response where this happens. The system that is now in place is logical and proportionate and provides an option for persons to pay fines by instalment along with other changes in the way those who fail to pay fines are dealt with.
