The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has again said Fine Gael plans to phase out the Universal Social Charge (USC), 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 would not be phased out for all earners - with a "claw-back" being introduced to stop higher earners from getting the full benefit.

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