Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 314: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason health boards do not comply with legislation on the prompt payment of accounts and cause great hardship to small companies, such as those that supply prosthetic products and leg extension stents, providing essential services and putting a question mark over continued existence. [15724/04]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The health boards and the ERHA are required to provide details, as part of their annual reports, of payment practices and compliance with the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act 1997 and the amending EC regulations of 2002. They are subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General. To my knowledge there has been no reported non-compliance, in a material respect, with the legislation for the latest available audited annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2002.

It is not possible to ensure all payments to suppliers are made on time. Where such instances arise interest on late payments to suppliers should be paid in accordance with the legislation.

Responsibility for compliance with the legislation on the prompt payment of accounts rests with the CEOs of health boards and the authority. My Department has asked the CEOs to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.