The detailed figures show that judge Michael Bowman was the best-paid senior counsel in the country through criminal legal aid, receiving €961,821.

A small landlord can end tenancies via a ‘no-fault eviction’ in limited circumstances, such as economic hardship or to move a family member in.

The Department of Children had asked religious orders to pay €267 million towards the scheme.

The call comes as Focus Ireland launched its annual report on Tuesday which highlighted a 12.5 per cent increase in the number of people it supported in 2023.