The Health Minister says the St John of God order must pay back millions paid to executives in top-ups and other payments.

The Irish Times reported this morning on a HSE recommendation that the order repay secret payments made over 30 years.

The paper reports that the total sum could amount to up to €12 million.

Minister Simon Harris says the payment of top-ups is clearly forbidden and must be repaid.

He explained: "They need to make sure all of that money is repaid in full to services.

"Public pay policy is set out very explicitly. That money should never have been diverted to pay top-ups, bonuses, side payments, whatever you wish to call them."

He added there is also a "moral responsibility" on the order to repay the money.