This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-37294260

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Apple tax: Irish parliament to debate European Commission ruling Apple tax: Irish tax criticisms 'unfair' says Noonan
(about 3 hours later)
The Irish parliament has been recalled early to debate the European Commission's ruling that Ireland granted undue tax benefits of up to €13bn (£11bn) to Apple. Critics of Ireland's tax regime are drawing outdated and unfair caricatures, the Republic's Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said.
The Irish parliament has been recalled early to debate the European Commission's ruling that the country granted undue tax benefits of up to €13bn (£11bn) to Apple.
It follows the decision by the Irish government to appeal the ruling.It follows the decision by the Irish government to appeal the ruling.
Mr Noonan said Apple had not been shown favouritism.
"It is simply untrue that Ireland provided favourable treatment to Apple," the minister said.
On Tuesday night, members were given a 16-page Department of Finance document on the background to the ruling.On Tuesday night, members were given a 16-page Department of Finance document on the background to the ruling.
The ruling itself is confidential.The ruling itself is confidential.
Last week, the government said a motion would come before the Dáil (parliament) on Wednesday seeking an endorsement of its decision to appeal.Last week, the government said a motion would come before the Dáil (parliament) on Wednesday seeking an endorsement of its decision to appeal.
Previously, Apple chief executive Tim Cook said he was "very confident" the ruling would be overturned on appeal.Previously, Apple chief executive Tim Cook said he was "very confident" the ruling would be overturned on appeal.
He called the European Commission's decision "maddening" and "political".He called the European Commission's decision "maddening" and "political".
However, European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager rejected Mr Cook's claims.However, European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager rejected Mr Cook's claims.
She said it was "a decision based on the facts of the case, looking into Apple Sales International, how they are arranged within Ireland, and the profits recorded there".She said it was "a decision based on the facts of the case, looking into Apple Sales International, how they are arranged within Ireland, and the profits recorded there".