State Aid

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 April 2019

Thursday, 11 April 2019

Questions (55)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

55. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the way in which the amount in the escrow account set up on foot of the EU Commission state aid ruling in a case (details supplied) has varied since its establishment; if there is a net average monthly cost or gain accruing to the fund including income and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17047/19]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

Notwithstanding that the Government profoundly disagrees with the Commission's analysis in the Apple State aid case, the full recovery of the alleged State aid from Apple has been completed with approximately €14.3 billion deposited into the Escrow Fund. The funds will remain in the Escrow Fund pending a final determination in the European Courts over the validity of the Commission's Decision. The ultimate owner of the Escrow Fund will be determined at that point.  

The arrangements in the Escrow Framework Deed include the agreement that all claims of ownership and access to these vast sums of money is suspended until the European Courts have concluded proceedings that the Government and Apple have brought. In general terms, all income/expenses, including any gains or losses will accrue to the Escrow Fund.

The 2018 accounts for the Escrow Fund are in the process of being compiled and will subsequently be audited by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.