The Sinn Féin President says all public and lobby groups funded by the taxpayer or through membership fees must disclose salaries of bosses.

The call from Gerry Adams comes as controversy rages on over the salaries of executives in the Irish Farmers Association.

A review of pay and pensions at the top level of the IFA is getting underway in the wake of Eddie Downey's decision to "step back" from his role as association President.

It was revealed last Friday that Pat Smith, the former General Secretary, received a pay and pensions package of €535,000 in 2013.

President Eddie Downey has said he wants to give the IFA the time and space to carry out the review.

“Mistakes have been made and I want to apologise for that. Steps have been taken to ensure that past mistakes are never repeated," he said.

Mr Adams said full transparency is needed when it comes to salaries.

"Any salary, any bonus, any payment in the state, semi-state sector and in NGOs... anything that's either paid for in full or part by the taxpayer, or through stipends or any such levy from members... that should be all out in the cold light of day for people to make an opinion of," he said.

Last night the IFA announced its former Chief Economist Con Lucey is to return and conduct a review of the situation.

The report is expected to be completed within weeks.

IFA Deputy President Tim O’Leary, who will act as President while the review is carried out, said the organisation had to make some serious decisions in order to focus on their work with farmers again:

Mr O'Leary explained that “Con Lucey will carry out a comprehensive review to address any inadequacies in our structures, and will come back to Executive Council with recommendations. There will be full transparency and accountability from now on.”

"For my role as Deputy President of the IFA, I am paid €35,000. The IFA President is paid €147,000 a year. These figures are under review. The remuneration package of any future IFA General Secretary will be disclosed and will be a matter of public record in the annual accounts," he added.