Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2019
628. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request Dublin Port to make available details of credit card spending for each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to 30 June 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29480/19]
View answer629. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has requested Dublin Port to provide further details in relation to a matter (details supplied); if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29481/19]
View answer630. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has requested Dublin Port to clarify if the moneys highlighted in recent press reports as credit card expenditure by executives at the port were spent on entertaining public representatives or departmental officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29482/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 628 to 630, inclusive, together.
Dublin Port is an independent commercial state company and receives no Exchequer funding.
On foot of recent media reports, I have met with representatives from Dublin Port including the Chair and CEO to discuss matters in detail.
The port has confirmed that policies and procedures are in place for the use of company credit cards. All expenditure is reviewed by the company’s internal auditor to ensure compliance with approved procedures and reported to the Audit and Risk Committee.
In the normal course of their work, public representatives and officials, national, international, European and UN delegates have attended official events and meetings at Dublin Port Company. While I note that a considerable amount has been spent on hospitality I cannot comment until further clarification is available.
The port has now engaged external experts to carry out an independent review of credit card expenditure and the company’s policies and procedures around same. The report should be completed in approximately eight weeks.
