The finance minister has confirmed plans to merge the Universal Social Charge with PRSI.

Paschal Donohoe's comments confirm a u-turn from Fine Gael who had wanted to scrap the charge entirely.

Minister Donohoe told the Dáil that the new Taoiseach and Finance Minister reserved the right to review policies from time to time.

But he took issue with Sinn Fein who say their position on USC has now been vindicated: