Fine Gael backbencher John Deasy has claimed at least 10 to 15 Government TDs privately want Taoiseach Enda Kenny to step down, warning the issue will “come to a head before the end of the year”.

A sister of one of the women abused at Aras Attracta care home has urged the Government to open a public inquiry and not “wait for somebody to die”.

While the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC) is at the centre of the top-ups controversy, it is just one of 13 voluntary hospitals and agencies paying bosses extra salaries from “privately funded” sources.

Pat Kenny has been confirmed as RTE's highest paid broadcaster.