On-the-spot fines – section 79
As it stands, this section is an enabling section, which will allow the Minister
to introduce regulations prescribing a range of offences (yet to be decided
upon) as being liable for on-the-spot fines, or more accurately which will
require the person on whom a notice specifying such an offence is served, to pay
a fine not exceeding €1,000 within 21 days.
Penalties for serious offences – section 78
If summary charges are brought in the District Court, a
person convicted may be fined up to €3,000 and/or imprisoned for a
period not exceeding 6 months. If the charges are brought on indictment in the
Circuit Court, a person convicted may be fined up to €3m and/or sentenced to
imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.
Liability of directors and officers – section 80
Where an offence is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance
- or can be attributed to any neglect on the part of - a director or manager or
other officer of the company, that person, as well as the company, will
be guilty of an offence and be liable to be proceeded against.