The State’s legal spend to date in the two unsuccessful “promissory note” High Court challenges brought against it totals over €360,000.

The leading barrister who shot to prominence for her cross-examination of Sharon Collins, aka “Lying Eyes”, was the best paid senior prosecutor in the country last year, new figures from the DPP show.

ARREST warrants for almost 200 criminals at large here, including murderers and rapists, were received by the Justice Minister from other EU countries last year.

External solicitors have cost the taxpayer almost €10 million in the past two years — ironically in part to help recoup unpaid taxes.