Irish cabinet considers appealing against Apple tax ruling

The Republic of Ireland's Cabinet is meeting to discuss the European Commission's decision that Ireland granted undue tax benefits of up to €13bn (£11bn) to Apple.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said the Irish Government will appeal against the ruling.

The Irish Government has said it "disagrees profoundly with the commission's analysis".

"Ireland did not give favourable tax treatment to Apple," it added.

"Ireland does not do deals with taxpayers. No fine or penalty has been levied against the Irish State.

"This decision has no effect on the 12.5% rate of corporation tax and is not about Ireland's wider corporation tax regime."

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said time was needed to absorb the European Commission's decision, which runs to 150 pages.

He said the decision created an "unprecedented situation" and it was important people had the opportunity to have any anxieties addressed and to raise questions that they may have.

"The government has made its position very clear as outlined by Mr Noonan so we will have a good discussion with our colleagues around the table about it," he said.

Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe rejected appeals for an early recall of the Irish parliament to discuss the Apple case.

The matter was a complex issue, said Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone, adding that she had talked to a number of independent experts about fair tax measures.

The Independent Alliance has said it is reviewing the commission's decision.

Office 'existed on paper'?

The European Commission said Ireland's tax rulings had allowed Apple to pay substantially less tax than other businesses.

The Irish system had allowed profits to be attributed to a head office that "only existed on paper", said Margrethe Vestager, the European Commissioner for Competition.