New figures show a poorer-than-expected performance in the 4 big taxes for the government last month.

But the coalition has still collected €365 million more than projected in the first 8 months of the year.

In August excise duty was 19% less than what the Department of Finance had hoped for.

Corporation tax was also lower by 3.5%, VAT was down 2.2% and income tax was down 5.3%.

That is the second month in a row that tax missed targets.

But the €135 million shortfall is masked by better months earlier in the year meaning overall Michael Noonan has taken in €365 million more than he had projected.

But Finance will now monitor the income tax situation closely especially with the self-employed returns later in the year.

Michael Noonan will also be watching spending.

There is no sign in these figures yet of the over-spend in Health and Social Protection being brought under control.

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