Michael Noonan has defended plans to scrap the USC - insisting it STILL can be afforded.

He was speaking as TDs got their first chance to question him on his tax plans in next month's Budget.

He's told TDs the budget will be modest and prudent - predicting that taxpayers would not be 'throwing their hats in the air' the night it was announced.

In a wide-ranging committee session he also confirmed the day on which it will be announced.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly filed this report for Today FM's National Lunchtime News: