Department of Finance Exchequer Returns for the year to 31 May released last week show a deficit of just under €10.6 billion in the first five months of 2009. This compares with a deficit of €3.6 billion in the same period in 2007. Total tax receipts at almost €13.5 billion were in line with estimates published by the department in April but down almost 21% on the same period last year. http://www.finance.gov.ie/documents/exchequerstatements/2009/excheqmay09.pdf