514. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department or agencies under its auspices have engaged the services of a debt collection agency in pursuing moneys owed to them; if his Department has guidelines regarding hiring such agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29329/14]

My Department has not engaged the services of a debt collection agency to pursue any monies owing to the Department; accordingly, the question of guidelines does not arise.

Debt collection issues relating to agencies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the bodies concerned.