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.

Housing Dept. Unable To Publish Latest Homeless Figures Due To Industrial Action
Motorway Toll Price Hikes Announced For January
Gardaí To Engage In Work-To-Rule During EU Meetings Next Month
Kfm's Local Hero 'Sitting Room' Shines At Irish Music Month National Finale
Tánaiste Won't Be "Pointing Fingers" After Anonymous Comments About Culture Minister
Funeral Of Renowned Musician Dónal Lunny To Take Place In Newbridge This Saturday
"Strong Possibility" Of Attack At Upcoming EU Meetings In Dublin, Says Gardaí
Two Sinn Féin TDs To Be Questioned Over Garvaghy Road Protest