Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
286. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the discussions, formal and informal, he and his Department had with national and European institutions regarding the tax affairs of a company (details supplied); if he has spoken with the relevant EU Commissioners; if so, the dates, times and subjects of such meetings; if he will publish reports and so on arising from the matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25522/16]
View answerOn 30 August 2016, it was announced that the Commission had concluded their single investigation in Ireland and had issued a negative decision in the Apple State Aid case.
The investigation was a priority matter for the State and every piece of information requested that was in the Irish authorities possession was given to the Commission. Over the course of the three year investigation, detailed and comprehensive responses were provided to the Commission demonstrating that the appropriate amount of Irish tax was charged in accordance with the relevant legislation, that no selective advantage was given and that there was no State Aid. This engagement included meetings both at political and official level, including a meeting between myself and Commissioner Vestager in July 2016.
The Government remains of the view that there was no breach of State Aid rules in this case and that the legislative provisions were correctly applied. By appealing the Decision the Government is taking the necessary course of action to vigorously defend the Irish position.
