Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Am I correct that the intention is that any fee applied will be solely in respect of the recoupment of administrative costs? In other words, it is not intended for anything else? I accept that as stated by the Minister of State this is not a revenue generating measure. That should not be the case.

On the fee, I remain concerned that it will act as a deterrent. Anything that acts as a deterrent to people is problematic. However, the Minister of State has given an assurance that the fee will be an administrative fee and not a revenue generating measure and I am satisfied with that explanation. As in the case of the previous amendment, I propose to do a little more research on this issue with a view to resubmitting the amendment on Report Stage, if necessary. As the Minister of State has confirmed that it is an administrative fee and not a revenue raising measure, I am content to withdraw the amendment for now.