Ms Coughlan described yesterday's figures, which showed tax receipts were €2.2bn short of estimates made in December's Budget, as disappointing.
She also indicated that in her view an increase in taxation was not on the cards in the Budget.
Speaking in Donegal town, she said that she did not necessarily feel an increase in taxation would be any benefit to the economy. Anti-inflationary measures were more important, she said.
At the moment, the Tánaiste said, all Ministers and Departments are looking at preparations for the Budget.
'It's very late in the year to be making serous adjustments,' she said, 'and it's my view that we will continue our work in preparation for the Budget and will look specifically at targeting where we can support economic growth'.
The Tánaiste was speaking at the launch of a report from the High Level Group on Business Regulation, which was set up to cut red tape in business.
The report highlights a number of areas in which red tape can be cut and lead to savings of €20m a year for businesses.
They include filing annual returns to the Companies Registration Office on line and online access to tax clearance certificates for Government contracts.
