Income tax,corporation tax and VAT receipts were higher than expected.
The 12-month rolling exchequer deficit stands at 12.3 billion euro to the end of June.
Total tax revenue in the first half of the year was 29.5 billion, which is 5 per cent higher than forecast.
Income tax,corporation tax and VAT receipts were also higher than expected.
But spending, at just under 40 billion euro, is 4 per cent less below forecasts.

Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks
New Figures From CSO Reveal How Much International Protection Applicants Earn Compared To Average Worker In Ireland
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week
Jury Delivers Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity Verdict In Ballyfin Demesne Strangling Case