I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 49 together.
My Department implemented an electronic payslip system in January 2008 as part of the "Transforming Public Service" programme of civil service modernisation. All of the Department's staff are now paid by electronic funds transfer.
The vast majority of the Department's headquarters staff avail of an e-payslips system via the Department's intranet. However, it remains necessary to issue hard copy payslips to staff who do not have access to the Department's intranet either because of the nature of their work or due to temporary absences on secondment, maternity leave or other reasons. The numbers change from week to week but are in the range of 100-120 which represents about 9% of the total payroll.
The cost of issuing hard copy payslips is estimated to be of the order of €3,000 per annum and my Department is continuing to look at ways of reducing payroll administration costs even further.
There are no agencies accountable to me.