Departmental Records

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 February 2019

Thursday, 7 February 2019

Questions (80)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

80. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason for the actions by staff in his Department who have mistakenly altered documentation (details supplied) on the grounds that the national minimum wage was changed in January 2019 in view of the fact that the relevant pay scale is covered by the employment regulation orders for contract cleaning; when the contractor will be paid in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5982/19]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The National Shared Services Office (NSSO) is a statutory office, established under the National Shared Services Office Act 2017. On 1 January 2018 the NSSO became a separate Civil Service office, under the aegis of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The NSSO has advised the Department that they scrutinise every invoice submitted to ensure that the goods or services invoiced for have been delivered to the quality standards agreed and in full compliance with the terms of the contract and all relevant laws – including laws on the Minimum Wage and any sectorial agreements. From time to time, disputes can arise in relation to payment of invoices. In that case, the NSSO engages directly with the relevant party in order to expedite the resolution of the dispute pursuant to the terms of the contract at issue, obtaining legal advice where necessary.