The head of the Health Service Executive (HSE) is facing questions about the health deficit this afternoon following reports that the shortfall this year could be more than €300 million.

The Irish Times says official correspondence indicates it is at least €286 million, which is nearly double previous forecasts - and could be even higher depending on when certain moneys owed to the HSE are paid.

That is despite the Health Minister James Reilly last month forecasting a deficit of €150 million for the year.

The HSE Director-General Tony O'Brien is appearing before the Public Accounts Committee to answer questions on the deficit and the so-called top up payments.

Irish Times industry correspondent Martin Wall spoke earlier to Newstalk Breakfast.

Mr. O'Brien will answer questions on recent revelations that senior health managers are getting €3.2 million a year in unsanctioned pay and allowances funded by the public purse.

It has also emerged that more than one-in-four health agencies give senior staff top-ups from private sources.

The unsanctioned HSE payments to hospital executives include clinical directors' allowances totaling over €1 million and motor allowances of more than €90,000.