Ultimately, each note was either directly or indirectly destined for the personal gain and enjoyment of those at the top levels of transnational Organised Crime Groups, gardaí said.

Minister for the Media Catherine Martin had been in favour of a fully state-funded model for the national broadcaster

Minister for Finance Michael McGrath said the focus was on implementing the budget announced last October

Minister for Finance Michael McGrath said this reflected a timing issue that "will almost certainly be made up" later this year

The growth was largely driven by a growth in income tax, VAT and excise duties.

Income tax was up 2.9 per cent from January 2023

Gardaí have arrested two men following a complaint of alleged fraud against the Exchequer and the HSE

The Exchequer returns for the quarter were up by just over 6 per cent on last year