Eight officials of my Department are issued with credit cards of the type where outstanding balances are paid directly by the Department to the issuing credit card company. The total amount incurred on expenditure on these cards for the period 2005 to 2007 (to date) is €105,127. In addition, a further three similar type cards are currently on issue by my Department to senior officials of bodies associated with the Department. The expenditure incurred in respect of these cards for the period 2005 to 2007 (to date) was €100,639. A total of €49 was incurred in interest over the period 2005 to 2007.
I should also point out for the information of the Deputy that due to the nature of the duties of officials of my Department and its associated bodies, it is not possible to procure some goods and services other than by credit card. I am referring here to airline tickets and hotels where in some instances the suppliers insist on advance payment for the service or goods provided.