The Exchequer recorded a surplus of €260m in the first half of this year according to the latest returns from the Department of Finance.
The figures show that the Government pulled in €26.7bn in tax in the first six months of the year – slightly less than the Department had expected.
It was nearly 7% more than the Exchequer took in over the same period last year – up €1.7bn.
Stamp Duty was the only main tax heading that failed to record an annual growth.
Government departments and agencies spent €31.3bn – which is up nearly 6% on last year.
The Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said the figures represent a “solid performance underpinned by a strong economy.”
He said they provide a “good platform for the remainder of the year.”
“However, we remain vigilant to the potential challenges we face including Brexit.
“We will continue careful management of the public finances, including the focus on reducing our debt burden and competitiveness-oriented policies.”
Responding to the figures, business group Chambers Ireland called on the Government to deliver on its promises to invest in housing and infrastructure.
The group’s CEO Ian Talbot said the economy is facing a number of potential threats adding that it is essential that investment in infrastructure and housing continues so “we can make up for the deficits in infrastructure and housing that arise from the ‘lost decade’ following the crash.”
He also called for future carbon tax receipts to be ring-fenced for investment in green initiatives, “including public transport, EV infrastructure, renewable energy and supports for SMEs to decarbonise.”
