Fines to be taken from wages or social welfare instead of going to jail

The government's promised to cut down on the number of people going to jail for not paying fines.

Minister Frances Fitzgerald says draft legislation to have fines taken from someone's wages or social welfare will be in place in the coming months.

The move is aimed at cutting down on the problem of prison overcrowding.

Dr Mary Rogan of the Irish Penal Reform Trust says the government's current plans need to be worked on.