Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 194: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the amount of interest paid by her in respect of the late payments for goods or services contracted by her Department for the past five years to date in 2009; the steps being taken to ensure that money is appropriately spent and that payments are made on time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25865/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The total amount of Prompt Payment Interest paid by my Department during the five years 2004 to 2008 amounted to €19,442. No prompt payment interest has been paid to date in 2009. My Department's purchasing and procurement policies and its payments procedures are designed to ensure that value for money is achieved and that no undue delays occur in the processing and payment of valid invoices. In addition, my Department is subject to the provisions of the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2002 and the commitment that central Government Departments pay suppliers within 15 calendar days in respect of valid invoices received from 15 June 2009.