Press Release: Senator Bacik Criticises Levels of Imprisonment for Non-Payment of Fines
09 November 2009
Statement by Senator Ivana Bacik
Labour Senator for Dublin UniversityPanel
Monday 9th November 2009
SENATOR BACIK CRITICISES LEVELS OF IMPRISONMENT FOR NON-PAYMENT OF FINES
Speaking in the Seanad today, Senator Ivana Bacik expressed serious concern at the high levels of individuals being sent to prison for non-payment of fines, saying:
“It is appalling to see that more than one in four prison committals this year is for non-payment of fines. Such committals are generally for very short periods of time, merely hours or days; and for very minor offences. It is a scandal, when dishonest bankers are behaving with impunity, that people are still being jailed for non-payment of television licences.”
Arguing for the urgent introduction of new fines legislation setting out alternatives to imprisonment for non-payment of fines, Senator Bacik said:
“This legislation needs to be introduced as a matter of urgency to ensure that people can be required to carry out community service instead of having to serve time in prison. Those who are sent to prison for non-payment of fines should generally not be there – these are very minor offences and imprisonment of individuals in this context represents a huge cost, both financial and human, to society.”
ENDS