The Finance Minister Michael Noonan says the Universal Social Charge (USC) is here to stay.

Mr Noonan says the charge is not likely to be abolished because it takes in too much cash.

The charge brings in over €4.5bn a year, which Mr Noonan says Ireland cannot afford to give up.

Speaking on the Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk, Mr Noonan said that although the tax was meant to be temporary, it is now the only way to get money from those on lower incomes:

Mr Noonan's full interview below.

Here, he talks about the Budget, debt and the Fiscal Advisory Council:

Here, he talks taxes, coalitions and his future: