A call for more scrutiny of spending by the State-owned Dublin Port Company, Independent.ie writes, has been insisted by the chairman of the powerful Public Accounts Committee (PAC). 

Seán Fleming spoke out following reports that senior staff spent €520,000 on company credit cards for flights, hotels and entertainment in 2018.

The 'Sunday Independent' also revealed that the company chief executive, Eamonn O'Reilly, spent €95,000 on such items via his credit card in 2018.

Other expenditure items included €200,000 for the commission and performance of a special piece of music for a (freight) ferry launch, and a total of €7m on revamping the port facilities to open it up more to the inner city and develop a garden.

The Dublin Port authorities have said they stand over all spending as both correct and appropriate, and insisted that it was included in the audited accounts.

But the TD who chairs the taxpayers' spending watchdog said he was concerned by reports concerning the semi-state company.

Louth Fine Gael TD Fergus O'Dowd, the chairman of another committee on transport and tourism, said he will discuss the issue of responsibility with Dáil colleagues in the coming days.

For much more on this story over expenses at the state's busiest port click here.  

In response to the expenses, a statement was issued from the DPC which was published by Independent and can be read in full via this link.  

Statement from Dublin Port 

Dublin Port Company is a State-owned commercial company responsible for the management, operation and development of Dublin Port - the largest and busiest port on the island of Ireland with a planned capital investment of €1bn over the next 10 years.

The company is well-managed, profitable and has a turnover of €90.4m which has grown by 28pc in the past 10 years. Dublin Port Company's total operating cost base is €43.6m.

All expenditure, including travel, subsistence and hospitality is disclosed in the company's financial accounts, which are independently audited and meet all reporting requirements and standards.

The highest standards of governance apply to robust processes and procedures on spending incurred in the legitimate course of doing business.

To continue reading the statement in full click here. 

Afloat.ie adds the Celine which is operated by CLdN on direct Dublin-mainland Europe routes is also served by fleetmates among them Laureline which took place in March. Another new fleetmate Ysaline has only entered service this month.