The exchequer has taken in 1.4 billion euro more than expected in taxes so far this year.

There's been an improvement in the deficit of 3.5 billion euro when compared to the same time last year.

In all, 27.3 billion euro has been taken in - that's up nearly 10 percent on a year ago and is 1.4 billion more than Michael Noonan predicted in the budget.

Spending by Government is below what was expected.

The Department of Health has overspent by 277 million, but underspending by Social Protection and Environment make up for it.

Director of Policy with Chambers Ireland Mark O’Mahoney says today's figures are welcome news: