Another spending controversy has arisen within the Government, this time over a scanner which has never been used.

The special x-ray machine was bought for the National Gallery in 2017, costing over €120,000.

However, a suitable lead-lined room still hasn’t been found for it, eight years on.

Tánaiste Simon Harris says his reaction is one of “absolute fury”.

“I think my reaction to this is the same as the reaction that every person will have right across this country, which is one of absolute fury,” he said.

“It's really important that the Government is briefed by the Minister on this matter today.

“Then it's really important that the people who are paid to run these institutions come out and talk to the Irish people in relation to these issues.”

A man walks past Ireland's national gallery. Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images

The Tánaiste said there have been “serious” issues raised.

“You know, the Government provides money to state agencies and they do very good work, but they're also accountable for the spend of that money,” he said.

“We have now seen three very significant concerns arising within one Government department - RTÉ, the Arts Council, and now the National Gallery.

“I think that does raise serious control issues.”

Woman with grey hair at art gallery. Image: Nathaniel Noir / Alamy Stock Photo

A statement from the National Gallery of Ireland said that in November 2017, the Gallery purchased an x-ray system valued at €124,805, funded by the 'Cultural Digitisation Scheme'.

"Currently, some elements of the x-ray system are stored securely onsite, while the main component, the x-ray bulb is stored with the supplier," the statement read. 

"X-ray facilities are used by most major galleries and museums and are considered an important tool for collection research and care.

"The Gallery has been working with the relevant experts and stakeholders to bring the system into operation and has identified a preferred solution."

Earlier this month it emerged that almost €7 million was spent on a failed IT system for the Arts Council, which also falls under the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin. Image: Alamy