The public finances recorded a deficit of €4.172 billion in March, according to figures published this afternoon by the Department of Finance.
This compares to a deficit of €2.535 billion recorded in March 2020. The increase in the deficit is driven by higher current spending in response to the pandemic.
The Department of Finance said on a 12-month rolling basis, the Exchequer has recorded a deficit of €13.953 billion. Tax receipts in March are up 26% to €4.666 billion.
However, the Department points out that this is in large part due to forbearance measures introduced in March 2020 which "flatter the year-on-year comparison." On a cumulative basis, tax receipts for the first three months of the year are €13.067 billion, marginally ahead by