Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2011
81 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Taoiseach if he will confirm the number of credit cards issued by him and to whom; the criteria for issuing such cards; the credit card company used; if a competitive process was used to select the company; if the facility has had to be withdrawn from any person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11561/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total number of official credit cards currently held by my Department is eight. The cards are held by the following officials:
Head of Information Technology Unit
Government Press Secretary
Head of Library Services/Archives
Private Secretary to the Taoiseach
Private Secretary to Government Chief Whip
Assistant Secretary, European and International Affairs
Head of Management Services Unit
Finance Officer
Departmental credit cards are used for official purposes only. They are allocated to officials where the facility will be of practical use in meeting the requirements of official business, for example, to facilitate meeting of travel expenses and official entertainment while away from the office, the procurement of goods and services such as on-line conferences bookings, air travel, purchase of IT equipment and library supplies.
The use of official credit cards is closely monitored by the Department's Finance Unit. Expenditure must generally be supported by receipts submitted by card holders each month as part of the approval process for the associated expenditure. The allocation and use of official credit cards are reviewed on an ongoing basis, with a view to minimising the number of cards allocated, and credit limits are assigned in line with requirements for official use on a case by case basis.
In 2005 following a competitive process Bank of Ireland was engaged to provide the credit card facility for my Department. To date the facility has not been withdrawn from any Departmental official.
