Conway welcomes the new legislation to reduce number of people imprisoned for not paying fines

Fine Gael Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Justice, Disability and Equality, Martin Conway, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the passage of the Fines (Payment and Recovery) Bill 2013 through Seanad Éireann.

“This legislation represents a major reform of the fine payment system in Ireland. It has at its core the twin objectives of ensuring to the greatest extent possible that the fines imposed by our courts are paid, and that where they are not paid, there are ample alternatives to imprisonment available to the court. This should result in a reduction in the number of people being sent to prison for failing to pay a fine.

“The increased use of non-custodial sentences, where appropriate, where minor offences are concerned, is major innovation and could help to alleviate the current overcrowding in our prisons.

“Crucially, the Bill introduces attachment of earnings for unpaid fines. This requires a judge to take a person’s financial circumstances into account when setting a fine.

“This Government is committed to keeping the numbers of people sent to prison for the non-payment of fines to the absolute minimum, whilst ensuring court decisions are respected and complied with. This new legislation will do just that.”

ENDS