The Master of the National Maternity Hospital says she has not been paid any 'top up' salary.

Dr. Rhona Mahony says her wage does not break the public sector pay agreement and that she has earned an extra €45,000 through caring for private patients.

She said in a statement "As a Consultant Obstetrician my contract allows me to provide clinical care to private patients, as is the case with all Consultants in the Irish health service who have the same Consultant contract as myself. The provision of private patient care is fundamental to the health service as currently structured".

"The €45,000 paid to me, and labelled by the media as a 'top-up', is in respect of professional fees from private patients attending the National Maternity Hospital".

"To be absolutely clear, I have never received any additional remuneration from the health service or any other source, including fundraising and charitable donations. I have been personally vilified over the last few days. This has been utterly unwarranted" she added.

The wages of hospital managers came under the microscope this week when it emerged a number of them are being paid salaries above the agreed pay cap.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny says some hospitals are refusing to share the details of the pay packages for top staff.