Vol. 553 No. 3
63 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which his end of year forecast for each major revenue source and each major spending programme has changed since the budget; and the overall implications for the current budget surplus, the Exchequer borrowing requirement and the general Government deficit. [14094/02]
At budget time the forecast for the 2002 Exchequer balance was for a surplus of €170 million. This estimate remains unchanged. At budget time the forecast for the general Government balance was €837 million. The estimate for the 2002 general Government balance was published in the March EU Maastricht return was for a surplus of €690 million.
The most recent figures for Exchequer receipts and expenditure were those for the period up to 31 May published on my Department's website on 5 June. This shows a surplus of €56 million for the period up to the end of May.
While the performance of individual tax and non-tax subheads will vary, receipts will improve as the economy continues to recover and the full impact of the Budget revenue raising measures is felt. Similarly, there are different levels of spending to date this year by Departments and I am determined that Departments will have to manage within their approved allocations.
