Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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92. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the step that have been taken towards implementing a harmonised rate for merchant agreements across all Departments; the potential savings to the Government and to the public from negotiating a reduced rate applicable to all Departments that accept payment by debit-credit card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3278/14]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I understand that the agreements referred to by the Deputy relate to commodity financial services that allow a merchant to accept credit or debit cards. At present Contracting Authorities within the State appear to be paying different rates for merchant services to multiple service providers, albeit potentially for different volumes. One of the primary reasons for establishing the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) was harness the State's purchasing power by strengthening procurement function to enable the State to deliver much needed services, such as merchant service agreements, more efficiently and at consistent prices. The OGP will examine how such merchant service agreements can be purchased more efficiently as part of its programme to secure up to €500 million in cash saving and efficiencies for the taxpayer over the next three years.