Exchequer sees deficit decrease by nearly €6bn

The Exchequer recorded a deficit of €18.74bn in 2010, as compared to an Exchequer deficit of €24.64bn in 2009.

Tax receipts in 2010, at €31.75bn were around €700m above the Budget 2010 target with the surplus primarily driven by a solid performance from corporation tax, VAT and Excise, although they were pulled back a bit by weak income tax returns.