Ryan Tubridy was once again the highest earner, with the Late Late host raking in a massive €440,000 in 2021. However, this was a drop from 2020, when he earned €466,250.

Ballyfermot native Joe Duffy came in at second, earning €351,000 in 2021. He was followed by Ray D’Arcy, who earned €305,000, the same he earned last year. Meanwhile, Duffy’s 2021 earnings represented a drop from his 2020 earnings of over €360,000.

The remainder of the top five is taken up by Claire Byrne and Miriam O’Callaghan. Byrne has shot up the ranks in recent years, with her 2021 remuneration of €320,000 representing a €70,000 increase on her pay in 2019.

“Today we are publishing the fees paid to RTÉ's highest-paid presenters for 2020 and 2021, which confirms a total reduction of more than 15%,” said the national broadcaster’s Director-General, Dee Forbes.

"Our presenters play an important role in RTÉ's provision of vital news, information and entertainment to audiences right across the country and enable us to generate commercial revenue which is essential to fund RTÉ's public services.

"We are aware that the fees of high-profile presenters attract considerable public interest. Over the past 15 years RTÉ has reduced these fees by c. 40%. We continue to keep them under review."

O’Callaghan brought in €263,000, a significant drop from her 2019 income of €320,000.