The number of people sent to prison for not paying fines has risen dramatically.

Around 19 hundred people were jailed in the first half of the year – that’s almost double the total number for 2006.

Former Garda Inspector and columnist with the Evening Herald Gerry O’Carroll says officers have to execute court warrants for such minor issues every day.

But he says there are alternatives.

“In some jurisdictions, notably Canada, they have this system of garnishing orders” he said.

“If people, if they’re social welfare recipients, there’s an instalment taken every week…The courts find out where they work and what company they work in – and that fine is exacted” he added.