Multinational corporations repatriated up to £11.762 billion (€14.93 billion) in the first six months of this year compared to £8.955 billion for the same period last year, writes Marie O'Halloran.

According to statistics released by the Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy, the figures include "profits attributable abroad" whether or not they were actually repatriated.

Last year a total of £20.803 billion in profits were recorded as "attributable abroad" compared with £16.920 billion in 1999 and £12.190 billion the previous year.