Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Jun 1998

Vol. 491 No. 7

Written Answers. - Prompt Payment of Accounts.

Nora Owen

Question:

208 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education and Science 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. [13244/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I am satisfied that the provisions of the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, 1997 are being implemented by all relevant bodies and authorities under my aegis. All outside agencies/bodies were circulated with details of the provisions and requirements of the legislation after its enactment.

No complaints have been made known to me and no interest payments have arisen to date.

Under section 15 of the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, 1997 an annual report/review on payment practices must be produced by my Department for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment which has to ensure that a copy is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. My Department will therefore, in due course, be submitting a report in respect of the financial year ending 31 December 1998 to that Department.