Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011

Enforcement and treatment of offender levy imposed by court

2.—(1) An offender levy imposed by a court on an offender is enforceable in the same manner as any fine which has been, or might have been, imposed by the court in dealing with the offender.

(2) Accordingly any statutory provision referring (in whatever terms) to the enforcement of a fine imposed by a court shall have effect in relation to the enforcement of an offender levy imposed by that court as it has effect in relation to the enforcement of that fine.

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) are subject to—

(a) any provision made by regulations under subsection (4); and

(b) section 4.

(4) The Department may make such regulations with respect to the enforcement of an offender levy imposed by a court as it considers appropriate.

(5) Regulations under subsection (4) may in particular—

(a) modify any statutory provision as it has effect by virtue of subsection (2) in relation to an offender levy imposed by a court; and

(b) make such incidental, supplemental or consequential provision (including provision to modify a statutory provision) as appears to the Department to be expedient.

(6) In subsection (5) “modify” includes the making of additions, omissions, exceptions and amendments.

(7) Except as provided by or under this Part, amounts in respect of offender levies imposed by a court are to be paid, collected and treated in the same manner as amounts in respect of fines so imposed.