Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 section 257

Penalties

Section 257 sets out the default penalties for offences under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, distinguishing between summary conviction and conviction on indictment.

• Unless a specific section provides otherwise, Section 257 applies as the default penalty provision for all offences under the Act.
• On summary conviction (District Court), a person faces a fine of up to €2,500 or imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both.
• On conviction on indictment (Circuit Court), a person faces a fine of up to €13,000 or imprisonment for up to 3 years, or both.
• The court has discretion to impose a fine, a prison term, or both, depending on the circumstances of the offence.