Will the Minister say if it is true that 20 per cent of the prison population consists of people who have been detained for non-payment of fines? Will the Minister agree that it is time we considered other ways and means of punishment for such offenders? Will the Minister agree that the long delay in collecting fines results in a higher charge on the State than the amount of fines being collected?

The Deputy is introducing extraneous matter. The question deals with motor taxation, either payment or collection.

Will the Minister consider amending the law and introducing a charge on property or on future earnings of those who do not pay their fines?

I am sure the Deputy's statement that 20 per cent of those in prison are there for non-payment of fines for untaxed cars is incorrect. I do not think it is anywhere near that figure but I will get the correct figure and pass on the information to the Deputy. I agree with the Deputy that it is not in the interests of the community to have to provide extremely expensive prison accommodation for those who do not pay car tax and that we should find some other way of dealing with that problem. I had informal discussions with members of the Judiciary to get their views on a number of matters, and this was one of the areas we discussed. I was pleased to get their approval for the community service order scheme which is operating very successfully. Under that scheme people who might find themselves in prison under normal circumstances are doing community related work. I should like to add that I introduced that scheme in my previous term as Minister for Justice and I am glad that it is going so well. I would hope to expand that scheme considerably because it is worthwhile.

I accept Deputy Barrett's view that it is not in anybody's interests, taxpayers or offenders, to have the State provide extremely expensive prison accommodation — it costs about £500 per person per week in normal circumstances — for those who do not pay their taxes.