Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

166. To ask the Minister for Finance the amount of interest paid by consumers on credit cards in each of the years 2015, 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2856/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The information requested by the Deputy is not captured by the Central Bank as part of  the Credit and Debit Card Statistics they publish on a quarterly basis.

These statistics provide data in relation to credit and debit card transactions, including a sectoral breakdown of expenditure, E-commerce, spending outside Ireland, and data pertaining to the role of debit cards. A breakdown of the number of credit/debit cards currently issued to Irish residents is also provided.

As it happens, this question is fortuitously timed because this week sees the launch of a public awareness campaign by my Department, aimed specifically at raising awareness and encouraging people to consider switching credit cards. The Deputy may recall the first phase of the switching campaign which also targeted current accounts and mortgages.

The campaign will make it clear to consumers that switching credit card is easy and encourage them to visit the www.switchyourbank.iewebsite for further information and comparisons of  credit cards available in the Irish market. This whole campaign is funded by contributions from AIB and PTSB as a condition of the approval of their restructuring plans by the EU Commission and there is no cost to the taxpayer.