Government takes in extra €3bn in taxes

The Government took in €3bn more in taxes than expected for the first 11 months of last year.

Figures from the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure show the coalition underestimated how much they would make as recently as last October's Budget.

It is the first time in eight years there has been a surplus in the public finances.

The full 2015 results are due to be revealed this afternoon.