Tax receipts rise by €700m as households and businesses seek further support measures

State recorded a €200m deficit after transfers to rainy day funds

Tanaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris: 'We are in a strong position to respond as needed to protect households and businesses

The Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, said robust tax receipts provide a "strong position" to protect households from the impact of the current energy crisis.

Strong income tax and VAT receipts resulted in a 3.4% rise in tax receipts in the first three months of the year, with the government coming under further pressure this week for support packages for households and businesses facing soaring energy costs.