Sir, – I refer to your article entitled "Fines may be paid through post offices" (January 11th), which explains how court fines may now be paid in instalments through a local post office.
It is also stated that more than €13 million was collected in court fines in 2014.
This is all well and good, but what about all the fines that should have been paid to the State but instead went directly to the court poor box?
Then consider all the convictions and penalty points that are wiped off as a result of these donations to the poor box. Indeed your own hallowed pages have shown that judges around the country have been reminded (twice by my count) that such actions are not permissible.
How many millions of euro do the State coffers lose in this manner each year?
Also, is it really just and equitable that we continue to read of people being able to avoid both convictions and penalty points by means of their chequebook?
I say chequebook since we have learned that at least one court is now refusing to accept cash, the legal tender of this country. – Yours, etc,
NOEL LEAHY,
Abbeyfeale,
Co Limerick.