I am surprised that no political party has yet addressed the issue of the unfair fines being slapped on the public, especially VAT fines. Apart from being unfair, the fines do not make sense.

For example, if you owe a fine of €3,000 and, for some reason, you cannot pay it all at once, even if it is due to a medical issue, or, perhaps, you may offer to pay, say, €2,500 down and the rest in instalments, the courts will refuse it and threaten to send you to prison.

If the department concerned accepts the instalments it will get its money some time but if it throws you in jail, not only will it not get its money but it would be using taxpayers’ money to pay for your board and lodging!

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