Enda Kenny contradicts Michael Noonan on USC plans

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has again said Fine Gael plans to phase out the Universal Social Charge, despite the Finance Minister Michael Noonan appearing to claim otherwise.

Mr Kenny has again said it is his plan to eliminate the charge, but he stopped short of outlining any plans for extra levies on high earners.

Last week Mr Noonan said USC

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This afternoon the Taoiseach again said USC would be going, but delayed any discussion of an extra levy on higher earners.

Mr Kenny said: "The phasing out of USC is part of an overall taxation reform which will be spelled out in the Fine Gael programme for government, which will be independently costed.

"I have said that, if re-elected, we would reduce USC by a further 1% for 2017 which would cost €250m."

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Noonan: High earners will not benefit fully from USC abolition