John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 219: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation 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the credit card company used; if a competitive process was used to select the company; if the facility has had to be withdrawn from any person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11554/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I interpret the Deputy's question as relating to corporate charge cards issued by my Department.

Since my taking Office as Minister my Department has not issued any corporate charge cards, one card has been cancelled and none have been withdrawn.

My Department recognises that certain staff may incur substantial up-front costs in the course of their official business. In this context, my Department can facilitate the issuing of a corporate charge card by a commercial provider. In order to be provided with this facility staff must satisfy certain criteria; there must be a business need for the card and a supervisor at Principal Officer level or higher must approve the application. In addition, the Finance Officer must be satisfied that the applicant is required to travel on a regular basis and/or requires the charge card facility, having regard to the officer's duties.

Staff who are issued with corporate charge cards under this arrangement hold individual accounts with the issuing credit card company. Each cardholder is responsible for paying any balances due on his/her account directly to the credit card company. In this context, it would not be appropriate to provide the names of the officials holding these cards.

Staff are entitled to reclaim from my Department travel, subsistence and other official expenses incurred in connection with their official duties, in accordance with Department of Finance regulations and applicable rates. Reimbursements of this nature are paid directly to the officers concerned. As mentioned above officers are responsible for paying the balances due directly to the credit card company.

At present, 7 staff of my Department hold corporate charge cards under the arrangement outlined above. I can advise the Deputy that my Department has more recently explored alternative providers and my officials are satisfied that the current provider best meets the Department's requirements.