New rules to be introduced next year could mean that people who are fined for refusing to pay the new household levy may have their wages or social welfare payments docked at source.
Under the Fines Act, the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, is to bring in additional measure to allow for small amounts of money to be taken from wages or social welfare to facilitate the payment of fines.
The department said the proposals are an alternative to imprisonment.
The new household levy will take effect from 1 January 2012 and will cost €100.
Non-payment of the charge could result in fines of up to €2,500.
15 TDs have said they will not pay the new levy.
