A former Naval Service ship, auctioned off to a private broker, has ended up in Libya under control of a man who has been described as his country’s most potent warlord.

The State spent €380,000 in 11 months maintaining the decommissioned LÉ Aisling, it has emerged.

The Dutch ship broker at the centre of the LÉ Aisling re-sale controversy said he is “testing the market” by seeking €683,000 for the former Irish naval ship he snapped up at public auction for just €110,000 two months ago.

Latest: A member of the Public Accounts Committee has said an inquiry may be held into the sale of a Naval Service boat - which is already back on the market at six times the price.

A Dutch businessman has picked up decommissioned Naval Service ship LÉ Aisling for the bargain basement price of €110,000.