Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 142: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of issuing hard copy payslips to all employees paid by him; the number of staff issued with such payslips; the steps being taken to only issue payslips by electronic means; the timetable involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32675/11]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 143: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of issuing hard copy payslips to all employees of agencies accountable to him; the number of staff issued with such payslips; the steps being taken to only issue payslips by electronic means; the timetable involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32690/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.

Almost 3,200 staff in my Department access their payslips on-line on the Department's IT system and do not receive payslips. Hardcopy payslips continue issue to some 380 staff, at an annual cost of approximately €7,000, taking account of stationery and postage costs. It is planned that all staff will be paid by electronically by the end of this year and this will reduce the numbers of hardcopy payslips issued by one third. While the issuing of hard copy payslips is kept under review, there remains a number staff members who do not have access to the on-line system who will continue to require a hard copy.

The situation in relation to each of the non-commercial State bodies that come within the aegis of my Department is as follows: Bord Bia; with effect from November 2011, all payslips will issue by e-mail. An Bord Iascaigh Mhara; all staff payslips issue electronically. Hard copy payslips issue only to BIM pensioners and Ice Plant operators, a total of 115 people. The estimated cost is €100 per month. The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority; hardcopy payslips issue to 96 staff. The estimated cost involved is one half day of staff time per month and €50 per month for stationery costs. An electronic payment system is being developed and is expected to be implemented before the end of the year. The Marine Institute; hardcopy payslips issue to 7 staff and 12 pensioners at a cost of €192.72 per annum. All other staff access their payslips through an online facility. Teagasc; the estimated annual cost for producing hard copy payslips is €23,800 for 1,590 pensioners and 1,364 employees. Teagasc is in the process of making payslips available electronically for staff within the next six months, after which hard copies will be phased out. It will, however, continue to provide hard copies for pensioners at an approximate cost of €12,700 per annum. The National Milk Agency; a staff complement of five are issued with hardcopy payslips.