There is further evidence that the economy is growing again and that the Government has the public finances under control.
Latest exchequer returns also show the deficit of a year ago has been slashed by 33.3%.
This day last year the Government was in the red to the tune of over €18 billion.
Now that has been cut to just over €12 billion for the first 8 months of this year.
But much of that saving is because payments made to the pension fund and Anglo last year were not repeated this year.
While the tax take is down 9% on last year it is more or less on track for what was predicted last budget day and is off by just 0.7%.
Corporation tax, excise duties and VAT are all doing better than expected.
This is seen as a possible sign of growth in the economy and people spending again.
While income tax is still behind target the Department is encouraged by a batter than expected take in the past 2 months.
