District Court judge: Replace social welfare money with vouchers

A District Court judge has said it is "high time" that those who spend their social welfare payments on alcohol and drugs should receive vouchers instead of cash.

A District Court judge has said it is "high time" that those who spend their social welfare payments on alcohol and drugs should receive vouchers instead of cash.

At Mullingar District Court Judge Seamus Hughes said the sooner the day comes that coupons and not money is handed out, the better.

Judge Hughes made the comments as he was dealing with the case of a 25-year-old Mullingar man with an alcohol addiction who has amassed 27 convictions.

Kevin McDonagh of 22, Grange Park, Mullingar was in court to purge his contempt for disruptive behaviour at last week's sitting.

His solicitor Patricia Cronin admitted that he had been smelling of drink when she dealt with him that morning and said his chronic use of alcohol is known to gardai.

McDonagh acknowledged that "hard-pressed" taxpayers, including gardaí, make his social welfare payment possible and apologized for his behaviour.

Judge Hughes said there are no "checks and balances" in the current system and said that "surely a system could be devised".

McDonagh will complete 240 hours community service in lieu of a three-month sentence for threatening behaviour towards gardaí, with the judge noting it will give him an opportunity to "make better use" of his hands.

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