It is simply not going to be possible to abolish the Universal Social Charge.

That is according to the Taoiseach, who says there would be a huge hole in the public finances if it was abolished.

Enda Kenny says the public should be wary of anyone who promises to get rid of it.

Earlier this month, the Tánaiste Joan Burton insisted there was no rift between Fine Gael and Labour over tax. She said there was an agreement between her and Mr Kenny on the issue.

Ms Burton said that tax cuts next year must be geared towards those on modest incomes and focus on the USC and tax bands.

But people will pay a little less in the change in their pay packets from the new year following the last budget announcement.

Mr Kenny says he hopes it can be repeated for Budget 2016 - but that the USC is here to stay.

And Ms Burton agrees.

While Finance Minister Michael Noonan said earlier this month 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 told the Pat Kenny Show Ireland cannot afford to give up.