James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, I am not in a position to outline in detail the legal advice that I have received. However, I am advised that my Department has no legal responsibility for repayment of these fees. Arc Adoption is a company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital and operates on a “not-for-profit basis”. These fees were paid as part of an agreement between Arc Adoption and its clients and my Department was not party to this agreement.

I am aware that there is an issue regarding the repayment to clients of refundable registration fees they are owed by Arc Adoption and I gave a commitment to examine the issue. This is a complex matter which I am currently considering.