103 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the number of public servants employed in his Department who are paid by cheque; and the number who are paid electronically; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21043/04]

Of the 646 public servants employed in my Department, 625 are paid by electronic funds transfer, EFT, and 21 by cheque, i.e. payable order. My Department negotiated an agreement with the Civil Service unions at General Council in July 2003, which provided that all new staff taking up duty in Departments and offices on or after 1 October 2003 would have their salary paid by EFT. In addition, it was agreed that serving staff would be actively encouraged to move to having their salary paid by EFT where they were not currently doing so.