The Tánaiste has given the clearest indication yet that the next budget may mark the end of austerity.

Joan Burton says the latest exchequer returns and economic forecasts show the economy is making real headway.

She says it is still too early to tell just how big the next budget will be, but that it will be well under the €2bn envisaged by the Troika.

She says if the government stays focused, the next budget could mark a real turning point:

The Economic Social and Research Institute is one of those forecasting postive growth for the economy - the ESRI is anticipating growth of 3.5% this year.