Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the level of compliance with the 15 day payment rule throughout Government Departments by percentage of invoices, as well as by general value; the amount of late payment interest that has been incurred across all Departments in respect of non-payment within 30 days for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24296/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with the Government's decision of 19 May 2009, all Departments are required to pay their business suppliers within 15 days of receipt of a valid invoice. Departments are also required to report quarterly to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation on their performance in meeting the target. Composite details of the information received are published by my Department.

This ongoing publication of composite details by my Department provides clarity on the performance of individual Departments in meeting the terms of the Government decision. While there is some variation between the performance of individual Departments and fluctuations across the different quarters, overall performance has been positive. Table 1 below gives details of payments of invoices by value and by number, paid within 15 days and paid within 30 days. Departments are required to publish in their Annual Reports, details of late payment interest paid by them. My Department does not collate details of late payment interest paid by other Government Departments.

In respect of late payment interest paid by my Department, Table 2 below provides the information sought by the Deputy. No late payment interest arises in cases where payments are made by central Government Departments after 15 days, but within 30 days.

Table 1 Prompt Payment Returns by Government Departments

Table 2

Late Payment Interest by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation