George Lee (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of invoices which are paid within 15 days in each Government Department; the average length of time it takes for each Government Department to pay their invoices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41399/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government Decision of 19 May 2009 regarding the reduction of payment periods by Government Departments to 15 days, included a requirement for Departments to report quarterly to my Department on their performance in meeting this target. These reports are to be submitted by the 15th day of the month following the end of the quarter. The first such reports covering the period 15 June 2009 to 30 September 2009 were due by 15 October 2009. The Reports provide details of invoices paid within 15 days, between 16 and 30 days and over 30 days. Information on the average length of time to pay invoices is not included. My Department is currently in the process of examining and collating the first returns received from Government Departments. When this process is concluded, I intend to publish the information on my Department's website. An initial examination of returns received to date, shows that the majority of payments made during the period were made within 15 days.