Tax take to the end of October is more than 9.4% ahead of the same time last year.

The latest exchequer figures show that almost €32bn has been collected since the start of the year.

The figure represents an increase of more than €2.7bn.

It means the exchequer deficit at the end of last month stood at €8.5bn - compared to €10.5bn in October 2013.

Peter Vale, tax partner at Grant Thornton, says the figures give further evidence of the strength of the domestic economy.

"There will be relief in government circles that any perceived largesse in last month's budget was not followed by weak exchequer data. This could have fuelled those who thought the government should have struck a more austere note last month," he said.

"The figures reflect the ongoing improvements in the labour market with more people at work translating into higher income tax receipts. While income tax rates will drop next year, the government will hope that increased consumer confidence and greater spending power will ensure that tax receipts remain buoyant," he added.