€1.9bn windfall - Exchequer returns

The latest exchequer returns that show the Government collected €22.5bn in tax revenue — €1.9bn up on the corresponding period last year — must be welcomed.

Unexpectedly buoyant corporation tax returns — €2.67bn for the six-month period to the end of June, some €505m, or 19%, above expectations — add to the sense of relief these positive figures offer.

However, they raise that eternal question — should the money be used to improve public services or improve public servants pay?