HOSPITALS, local authorities, schools and Government departments usually take almost two months to pay their accounts, according to a new survey.

In total, some 57 per cent of all bills owed by the public sector are being paid late.

The survey, commissioned by the Department of Enterprise and Employment and carried out by economic consultants, Goodbody, reveals that:

. The average payment period, between the date of invoice and the date on which payment is made, for purchases of goods and services by the public sector, is 55 days;

. 26 per cent of payments are made after 60 days;

. 12 per cent of payments are made later than 80 days;

. The average payment period for payments made after 45 days is 76 days.

The Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Mr Bruton, said last night there was "significant scope for improvement", adding that he had introduced the Prompt Payments of Accounts Bill to deal with the problem.