The Oireachtas said employee costs for their work on the election came to more than €110,000

Michael Cawley, who was appointed to the health service board last year, said that there was “much more control needed to be exercised by management".

The Northern Ireland Confederation for Health and Social Care (Nicon), the membership body representing the leaders of organisations in the sector, has made its submission to the public consultation over the spending plans.

A survey carried out by Siptu found just under 80 per cent of public transport workers said the problem has got worse in the last 12 months

In letters to Minister Norma Foley, principals – especially in Dublin – explained how it was proving impossible to hire staff even as other teachers were leaving due to the high cost of living and high rents.