Budget prospect eased by boost in tax take

Hopes of an easier budget have been boosted after figures on tax and spending helped smooth over the fault lines between the Coalition partners on the final size of the adjustment.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan said the adjustment will be “somewhat less” than the €3.1bn previously agreed, after exchequer figures showed the tax take back on track and spending lower than expected.

Mr Noonan met last night with Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, who make up the Economic Management Council, in an effort to agree a figure.