Madam, – I entirely agree with James Dundon with regard to jailing people for non-payment of fines (November 16th). Leaving aside the morality, it is economic nonsense. The cost of jailing a person is about €2,000 per week.
The responsibility for ensuring fines are paid should be given to the Criminal Assets Bureau, which should have the authority to target incomes.
If any income is from the State, ie the taxpayers, the bureau should seek a court order freezing all State payments.
If the offender is employed, an addendum should be attached to the tax code.
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Such a policy would reduce the prison population by about 25 per cent, thereby addressing prison overcrowding. – Yours, etc,