The Public Accounts Committee is to begin an investigation into what it heard was a "€7 million overspend" on a Co Tipperary hospital which has not had any overnight patients in it.
The committee is to contact the Health Service Executive to seek an explanation in relation to claims made by Independent TD Mattie McGrath in relation to Our Lady's Hospital in Cashel.
Mr McGrath claims the refurbishment of the hospital has run over budget by more than €7m, and that there would never be "patients on beds" in the hospital.
Labour TD Alan Kelly said this was "an incredible story".
He told the committee that that he had recently visited the hospital and "there wasn't a single patient in the building".
He said the HSE would have to answer for the overspend, but would also have to explain what the building is being used for.
Committee chairman and Fianna Fáil TD Seán Fleming said the clerk would write to the HSE to seek a response.
