WE WILL NOT BE BUDGING ON THE USC

Minister says axing charge is 'unrealistic' | But he vows next Budget will be 'big'

- LOUISE BURNE

PASCHAL Donohoe promised a "big" Budget this year but said yesterday it is "not realistic" to abolish the controversial Universal Social Charge.

This is despite Fine Gael committing to cutting the tax in 2016 before it was re-elected to Government.

The Public Expenditure Minister said it would be a decision for his colleague in Finance, Michael McGrath.

He added: "But €1billion overall in the Summer Economic Statement for tax-related measures... Minister McGrath, I hope and know, should be in a position to make measures that you know will have an impact on the cost of living.