Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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182. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will revert to this Deputy (details supplied) regarding credit cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42078/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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My Department comprises two separate votes, Vote 28 Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vote 27 International Co-operation. The Department's general policy on use of credit cards is restrictive and, as a general rule, cards will only be authorised for officers who, due to the nature of their work or for particular circumstances, have a compelling business need for an official credit card.

Official credit cards may only be used for transactions arising in the course of official business. The card is used to pay for air and train travel, hotel bookings, etc on behalf of diplomatic officers based at the Embassy.

Eight Ambassadors have credit card facilities for use for the official business of the Embassy.

The relevant Embassies are:

Abu Dhabi

Berne

Canberra

London

Mexico

Ottawa

Paris

Tokyo

The Department’s Financial Management System does not record official credit card transactions separately from general payments. Therefore a separate breakdown of costs charged in respect of each official credit card is not readily available. Each individual transaction is charged to the relevant expense code in the Appropriations Account such as travel, accommodation, etc.

Official credit card bills are analysed and each transaction certified as in order before payment is made. All relevant supporting documentation is retained for audit purposes.