Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1993

Offences.

[1992, s. 22]

296.—(1) When, without reasonable excuse, a person—

(a) fails to comply with subsection (1) or (2) of section 288 or section 291 or an order under section 290 or section 294 (2), or

(b) gives to a court a statement pursuant to section 290 (1), or a notification under section 291, that is false or misleading, or fails to give any statement,

and the competent authority as a result fails to obtain a sum of money due under an attachment of earnings order, that sum may be sued for as a simple contract debt in any court of competent jurisdiction by the competent authority or the District Court clerk to whom such sum falls to be paid, and that court may order the person to pay to the competent authority or the District Court clerk, as appropriate, such amount (not exceeding the sum aforesaid) as in all the circumstances the court considers proper for distribution in such manner and in such amounts as the court may specify to the competent authority for whose benefit the attachment of earnings order was made.

[1992, s. 22]

(2) Where a person gives to a District Court—

(a) a statement pursuant to section 290, or

(b) a notification under section 291,

that is to his knowledge false or misleading, he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.

[1992, s. 22]

(3) A person who contravenes section 288 (3) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000.