Fianna Fáil demands widening of USC bands in budget

Fianna Fáil has asked the finance minister to redraft options around changes to USC before they agree to support the upcoming budget.

Crunch budget meetings are to continue between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael next week after discussions between the parties were held yesterday.

It is understood Fianna Fáil are unhappy with USC proposals put forward by Michael Noonan, which would include a lowering threshold at which people enter the lowest USC rate and reductions in the rates paid.