Any decision to reduce USC would be a political one, says Noonan

Finance Minister MIchael Noonan has said the decision to reduce the Universal Social Charge (USC) is a political one, despite mounting calls for the tax to be retained, writes Daniel McConnell Political Editor.

Mr Noonan was speaking at the Dáil's new Budget Oversight Committee and re-stated his intention to phase out the USC by 2021.