Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Jun 1998

Vol. 491 No. 7

Written Answers. - Prompt Payment of Accounts.

Nora Owen

Question:

176 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, 1997, which came into force on 1 January 1998, is being implemented by all relevant bodies and authorities under his aegis; if all systems are in place to ensure that the 45 day limit for payments is being met; if not, if interest is being paid; the complaints, if any, he has received regarding non-payment on time; if he has sought an interim report on the way in which the legislation is working during the last six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13239/98]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

My Department has taken steps to implement the prompt payments Act, and to monitor its operation in respect of payments made by the Department. In the period to mid-May, about 50,000 payments were made by the Department; of these, 31 payments incurred a total interest charge of some £38 under the Act.

I am not aware of any complaints in relation thereto. My Department has brought the prompt payments Act to the attention of bodies under its aegis with a request that its requirements be observed. Compliance with the Act is a matter for the bodies concerned.