Exchequer figures for the first 8 months of the year published by the Department of Finance this evening, show the Government has taken in nearly €1.5 billion more then expected in tax receipts since the start of the year.
They also show that spending by Government Departments is running more than €850 million behind target so far this year.
The figures suggest that government borrowing this year could be significantly below the €1.8 billion targeted by the Department of Finance last week.
The amount of money collected from workers in income tax is up 22.4% compared with the same period last year.
Commenting on the figures the Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy, said he was very proud about what he has achieved at the Department of Finance over the past 7 years.
