Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 592: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of banking charges paid by his Department over the past three years; the breakdown of these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22875/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.

*Government policy to make payments by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) rather than by cheque (payable order) as a more efficient method of payment and the EU requirement that all payments to farmers be made by EFT from 16 October 2008 account for the increase in charges since 2006.

**The Department has reviewed the amounts charged in respect of the EFT fees in 2008 and 2009 and is in discussion with the bank on the matter.

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 593: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount spent by his Department each year for the past three years on bottled water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22889/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Department is required by law to supply drinking water, conveniently accessible to all staff, in all its offices. In some cases this requirement is met through the provision of bottled water, the cost of which averaged some €5,700 per annum over the last 3 years.