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Mr. John Perry, T.D. Minister for Small Business, has today (Thursday) published the latest sets of quarterly composite figures, which show that Government Departments and Agencies paid a total of 45,691 payments in Quarter 1 2012 amounting to €616.8m.

Minister Perry said “Of these, a total of 36,848 payments totalling €544m were paid within 15 days. These payments represent 81% of the total number of payments made by Departments which clearly show that Departments continue to comply with the Government requirement to pay business suppliers within 15 days of receiving a valid invoice.

“The small business sector in Ireland is vital to the creation of employment and to our economic growth.  We cannot afford to constrain this vibrant sector by squeezing the cash flow upon which it is dependent for survival and growth. I am pleased that Government Departments and their agencies continue their efforts to comply with the Government requirement to pay business suppliers within 15 days of receiving a valid invoice.

Minister Perry pointed out that Under Key Action Point Nos. 3.44 and 7.13.2, of the Action Plan for Jobs, his Department has recently made available on its website, an Official Notice regarding the Government’s 15 Day Prompt Payments Rule, so as to support compliance with the initiative.

“Businesses can attach this Official Notice to invoices, when submitting them for payment to Government Departments and State Agencies (excluding commercial Semi-State Bodies)”.

“Business Representative Organisations can also put the Official Notice on their respective websites so as to assist their members in getting paid within 15 Days.  

“Small businesses themselves should refer instances of non-adherence to the relevant Government Department, public sector body and State Agency” Minister Perry concluded.