Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

I thank the Minister of State for his useful reply. Cash is king in sustaining businesses and many profitable ventures have gone under because of a lack of cashflow. Has any Department which has not stepped up to the plate, a lagger, been subject to late interest penalties under the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2002? Under the regulations, interest charged on any outstanding amount for goods or services is 7% above the European Central Bank interest rate. Has any Department had to pay this interest charge? If not, then why is it not complying with EU regulations?

Will the 15-day average for payments extend to semi-State and departmental agencies such as the Health Service Executive? Many of them are not the fastest out of the traps when it comes to paying for goods and services.

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