John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 301: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if he will confirm the number of credit cards issued by him and to whom; the criteria for issuing such cards; the credit card company used; if a competitive process was used to select the company; if the facility has had to be withdrawn from any person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11562/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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My Department has four credit cards issued to officials for use in the course of their business. These cards are issued to the Private Secretary to the Minister, the Assistant Secretary in my Department's Arts Division, my Department's Accountant and the Chief Executive Officer of Culture Ireland. Cards are issued in individual cases following an examination of the business need arising. All credit cards are Visa cards issued by Allied Irish Bank. An evaluation process was applied in 2006 to identify a service provider and Allied Irish Bank emerged as the favoured supplier. While I am advised that the number of credit cards held by officials in my Department has fallen in recent years, I understand this has been solely on the basis that there has not been a continuing business case for the use of a Departmental credit card by the individuals involved. My Department will continue to keep under review the business need for credit cards in each individual case.