Belongings to be seized in lieu of jail for non-payment of fines
Justice Minister Dermot Ahern has decided that those who don't pay certain fines will have their television or other belongings seized rather than be sent to jail.
Minister Ahern is ammending the fines bill in the Dáil, which will also see such offenders named and shamed.
If the sheriff can't source goods to the value of the fine, the court will impose between 30 and 100 hours of community service.
Minister Ahern says the move towards seizing belongings of individuals who don't pay fines is because it is cheaper than sending them to jail for seven days.
