2012 budget deficit ahead of govt, Troika targets

Ireland's budget deficit for 2012 was ahead of the Troika target and Government forecast.

New Central Statistics Office figures show the level fell to 7.6% or just over €12.4bn last year.

The deficit is within the EU IMF target of 8.6% of GDP - while the Government projected a level of 8.2%.

Under the bailout deal Ireland has to reduce the debt to GDP ratio to at least 3% by 2015.