Spending watchdog criticises HSE hotel spending; report lists €500-a-night Milan hotel

The HSE has been criticised by the Government spending watchdog for excessive spending on hotels.

A 42-page report by the Comptroller and Auditor General details expenses claims which include €300 for the five-star Merrion Hotel in Dublin and €500 a night for a hotel in Milan.

The Irish Independent says the report found an employee travelled to New York for a conference accompanied by a personal guest.

Flights and the hotel bill were claimed for this guest. The bill showed two people stayed in the same room.