Spend more or borrow less? The expert views on using €5bn tax windfall

Government tax revenues hit a record €83.1bn last year, with corporation tax receipts rising to €22.6bn

Ministers Paschal Donohoe (left) and Michael McGrath hail the budget numbers. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos

Sarah Collins

This week's €5bn exchequer surplus – five times the budget day estimate – means ministers come into the year with money to play with so we asked employer representatives, trade unions and economists how they think it should be used.

All agreed the tax windfall should not be the basis for long-term spending commitments but that it can and should be spent on once-off measures, including an extension of the cost-of-living supports, home building and wind farms.