Furious opposition forces changes to USC

MINISTER for Finance Brian Lenihan was forced to make a concession on the contentious Universal Social Charge (USC) following mounting anger amongst independent TDs, opposition parties and the public.

Amendments were made to the Finance Bill yesterday following demands by independent TDs, Michael Lowry and Jackie Healy-Rae, and after radio stations were dominated by callers raging at the “injustice” of the USC.

Fine Gael and the Labour Party have both stated their opposition to the charge. The Office of the Revenue Commissioners has admitted that one in four telephone calls relate to the impact of the new charge.