Ryan Tubridy has been named as RTÉ's top earning presenter according to the latest figures released by the broadcaster.

The Late Late host was paid €495,000 in 2014 according to RTÉ.

Joe Duffy earned almost €417,000, Marian Finucane was paid €295,000, Sean O'Rourke got over €290,000 and Miriam O'Callaghan was paid over €240,000.

RTÉ said that the salary bill for its top presenters has been reduced by 40% in recent years.

The annual licence fee is €160, and could be replaced with a new compulsory broadcasting charge by the next Government.

The State broadcaster's group commercial director Willie O'Reilly said that competition sometimes drives up salaries.

"We're both publically funded, and we have a commercial element to us," he said.

"So we need top talent to front shows, whether it's the Late Late Show, or the Ray D'Arcy Show, and we, at the point of contract renewal, and indeed at the point of starting a new contract, often find ourselves with competitors for the independent sector."