Exchequer figures better than expected

The Government is better off to the tune of more than half a billion euro mid-way through the tax year, according to Exchequer figures.

However, there is a warning to Ministers James Reilly and Joan Burton to get spending in their departments under control.

The Exchequer has revealed that they had taken in €507m more than expected in the first six months of the year, mainly due to more Corporation Tax and more Income Tax than expected.

VAT is also performing ahead of what the Government thought on Budget day.

There is some concern about spending though with the Departments of Health and Social Protection having overspent.

Overall, the end June Exchequer balance meets the demands of the Troika who are back in Dublin assessing if the country is meeting all bailout requirements.