The Chairman of the government’s spending watchdog says the Central Bank should have identified itself sooner as the subject of a report about spouses travelling on business trips with a state agency.

The Comptroller and Auditor General last week highlighted the issue at an unnamed body, claiming 52 partners travelled on a single trip.

Last night, it emerged the Central Bank was the state agency in question – but it says the trips were spread out over two years.

Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Bernard Allen says his group will be seeking answers from the bank.

“I believe the Central Bank should have disclosed it’s identity long before now – before journalists went on the scent” he said.

“We would have a series of meetings in April in relation to financial matters – bank stabilisation, and other related issues – and in that context we will be meeting the Central Bank and these questions can be asked” he added.