Exchequer figures published today show that the Irish economy is still booming.
The figures for the first six months of the year show that the public finances remain on course, and tax revenues are 2%, or €320 million, ahead of projections so far.
Tax revenues continue to grow quite well, though there appears to have been a slowdown in comparison with the first three months of this year.
Revenues show very strong spending on cars and houses, driving VAT receipts, excise and stamp duty and it is there that the increases are concentrated.
However, income tax receipts are only €2 million above the figure expected by the Exchequer, and would appear to be behind target for an economy posting 4% jobs growth.
The Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen, said that apart from costs arising in relation to the refund of nursing home charges, public expenditure in 2005 is expected to be in line with estimates.
He said that sound public finances are the basis for sustainable growth and that he intends to stick with that prescription.
