Former government ministers received almost €4 million in pension payments last year, according to Department of Finance figures.

Former taoisigh Bertie Ahern and Brian Cowen both got almost €84,000 - while Mary McAleese was the highest paid former office holder.

Figures show former president Mary McAleese got the largest pension at €138,000, while her predecessor Mary Robinson received €121,000.

€3.8 million was paid to former ministers and taoisigh.

Ex taoiseach John Bruton got more than €75,000, former justice minister Michael McDowell received €67,000 while former Tánaiste Mary Harney got €66,000.

Pensions and lump sums for former judges totalled €8.5 million.

A severance payment of almost €34,000 was made to former justice minister Alan Shatter while ex-minister of state and Renua leader Lucinda Creighton got €5,400 in severance.

Some of the other pension payments include €56,000 to Martin Cullen, €54,000 to Mary O'Rourke, €47,000 to Alan Dukes, €29,000 to Ivan Yates and €15,000 to Ivor Callely.