Sinn Féin says the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) should appear before it to explain himself in the wake of the recent controversy.

It comes after it emerged John McGuinness argued as a Junior Minister for spouses to be allowed to go on foreign travel and the taxpayer to foot the bill.

Sinn Féin says it is not in a position to place a no confidence motion in Mr. McGuinness at the Committee, but that if one were placed it would then consider what to do.

The party Finance spokesperson is Pearse Doherty.

Earlier the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform said it is up to the PAC itself to decide on the suitability of its members.

Brendan Howlin made the comments as Mr. McGuinness comes under pressure following his controversial comments. While the Taoiseach Enda Kenny has described the comments as "damaging".

Minister Howlin says the role of the Fianna Fail Deputy is a matter for the Public Accounts Committee.

"I listened yesterday - he's made his own explanation and people can draw their own conclusions; but I'm saying it's not the norm or the pattern for this administration" he said.

When asked if he thought Mr. McGuinness should resign, Mr. Howlin replied "I think that he's an elected member of the Public Accounts Committee, it's a very important committee of the House, and it'll be a matter for the committee itself".

"I would hope that all committees's would be very robust in the work they do, in holding the executive to account. As I said, additional powers have been given (to) committees to do exactly that - but actually I think it's important to separate the executive from the work of committees".

"Parliament itself must make its own rules and regulations, and it's for the committee and for the Oireachtas to make determinations on the suitability of any individual" he added.