Figures from the Department of Finance show that there was an Exchequer deficit of €1.33 billion in the first seven months of this year.
The figures show that total tax revenue of €25 billion was bang in line with the target set out by the Government at the start of the year.
But spending was ahead of target, in line with the trend for the past few months. The Government has blamed this on accelerated spending on capital projects and the National Development Plan.
There were differences across the various tax categories, with better than expected returns from income tax and VAT offsetting a shortfall in capital gains tax and stamp duties.
In a sign of the effects of the property slowdown, stamp duties were €173m lower than expected while the figure for capital gains taxes was €110m. Excise duties were also €146m lower than expected.
Income tax was more than €100m ahead, while the take from VAT was €64m better than targeted.
