A quarter of all funds collected through the court poor box last year was paid by offenders in Co Kerry. Official figures show the total collected by Kerry District Court was €521,677, an increase of €18,000 on the previous year and €105,000 more than the figure for 2011.
The €2 million collected nationally in 2012 was shared among 700 charities and community groups.
Most of the money donated to the Kerry court box last year was given to organisations working overseas, a breakdown for 2013 shows. Of the 69 charities selected in Kerry, local organisations received under €50,000 between them while international charities were given just under €480,000.
Two international charities which help blind people – Sightsavers International and Christian Blind Mission, each received €60,000 and jointly topped the annual list.
Local groups
While breakdowns were not available for any other district for 2012 or 2013, a spokesman said the situation in Kerry contrasted with the national picture, which showed the proceeds of most poor boxes were donated to local groups.
Although it is not provided for in law, the practice of courts directing that money be paid into a poor box in lieu of or alongside another penalty is a practice that predates the foundation of the State.
The individual amounts can vary, depending on ability to pay, other penalties imposed and the nature of the offences.
Decisions on how to dispense the proceeds of the poor box are made by judges, often in response to representations made by charities to District Court offices. So much money is now being brought into court in Kerry that court staff who handle the funds have on occasion asked for security.