It is reported that legal representation for children in child protection cases is costing up to €125 an hour.
The Sunday Business Post reports that people working as guardians ad litem are accruing fees of up to €300,000 a year each, which is paid by the Child and Family Agency TUSLA.
A guardian ad litem is appointed by a court, and advises on what is in the best interest of the child concerned.
Many of the guardians were previously employed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as social workers.
It is reported that a number of the top earners also held management positions within the HSE - with many setting up firms through which their fees are paid.
Costs relating to legal guardian ad litem fees ahve grown from €11.9m in 2013 to €16m in 2014.
The CEO of TUSLA, Gordon Jeyes, told The Sunday Business Post: "The current system of guardian ad litem, developed at a particular time, is no longer fit for purpose."
Mr Jeyes believes there is a compelling case "for a complete reform" to allow an independent body oversee and consider payment of fees.
Fianna Fail spokesperson on children, Robert Troy, says the high fees for legal representation are a waste of public money at a time when there is a shortage of social workers.
