Covid-19 hits Exchequer returns as consumer spending slumps and Government spending rises

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath. File Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Rollingnews.ie

The Exchequer deficit was €9.5bn up to the end of August.

VAT receipts are down by more than €2.5bn on the same period last year.