Analysts stand by 2% GDP deficit despite tax decline

A budget deficit of under 2% of GDP is still anticipated for 2015, despite latest exchequer returns disappointing slightly.

Figures released by the Department of Finance yesterday show just over €2.39bn was taken by the Government in tax revenue in April, down 1.1% (€27m) on prior expectations.

However, overall, tax revenue was over €12.86bn for the first four months of the year, up 11.3% on the same period last year and 4.2% (€518m) ahead of estimates.