Figures from the Department of Finance show an Exchequer surplus of €2.19 billion so far this year, compared to a €2.41 billion surplus for the same period last year.
Tax revenues overall were €190m ahead of targets at €8.24 billion, and were up 12.8% on the same period in 2006. The Department of Finance is officially projecting a rise of 8% in tax revenue this year.
Spending figures were just 0.10% or €84m behind forecasts.Income tax for the two months was fractionally below forecasts at €2.17 billion, compared to €2.01 billion for the same two months last year, and a target of €2.19 billion.
Stamp duty, which mainly comes from property sales, was €669m - which was €67m ahead of target, and also ahead of last year's figure of €547m.
Capital gains tax came in €64m under forecasts at €846m and excise duties were running €26m below expectations.
Corporation tax inflows for the two months were €761m, which was €183m ahead of forecasts, and up €118 on the same period in 2006.
Economist with Ulster Bank, Pat McArdle, said that on the whole, the tax side was broadly as envisaged in the budget, but that it was still too early to attempt to draw conclusions about the fiscal outcome.
Chief economist with Bloxham stockbrokers, Alan McQuaid, said that strong economic growth should again boost the coffers of the Exchequer, with tax revenue likely to be well ahead of expectations this year.
