At least eight high-ranking health service officials are refusing to give up their right to hidden contract "top-ups" — and have threatened legal action if the money is removed as planned next month.

The chair of the Dáil Public Accounts Committee and Health Minister James Reilly have clashed over claims two of the system’s most senior officials should resign over repeated "Groundhog Day" failures.

The Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee is seeking outside legal advice after claiming its investigation into the scandal-hit Rehab charity is being "nobbled" by another Government body.