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Apple tax: Irish tax criticisms 'unfair' says Noonan Apple tax: Irish tax criticisms 'unfair' says Noonan
(about 1 hour later)
Critics of Ireland's tax regime are drawing outdated and unfair caricatures, the Republic's Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said.Critics of Ireland's tax regime are drawing outdated and unfair caricatures, the Republic's Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said.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.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.Mr Noonan said Apple had not been shown favouritism.
"It is simply untrue that Ireland provided favourable treatment to Apple," he said."It is simply untrue that Ireland provided favourable treatment to Apple," he said.
"The reaction to the European Commission's decision has, at times, painted an outdated and unfair caricature of Ireland's position on tax."The reaction to the European Commission's decision has, at times, painted an outdated and unfair caricature of Ireland's position on tax.
"This is a caricature that is at odds with the evidence and which overlooks our proven track record in recent years."This is a caricature that is at odds with the evidence and which overlooks our proven track record in recent years.
"The facts show our constructive engagement at the international table, with matchless implementation of reforms ahead of many of our partner countries.""The facts show our constructive engagement at the international table, with matchless implementation of reforms ahead of many of our partner countries."
He said the European Commission ruling encroached on sovereign states' decisions on tax and contained contradictions on where Apple owed tax.He said the European Commission ruling encroached on sovereign states' decisions on tax and contained contradictions on where Apple owed tax.
'No selective treatment'
Micheál Martin, leader of Fianna Fail, said it had not been shown that there had been "selective treatment for one company".
"A five-year investigation, including an unprecedented and targeted trawl of revenue files, has produced an assertion, but no evidence," he told the debate.
However, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said there had to be fairness in taxation.
"There can't be one set of rules for some and different rules for others, with small and medium sized enterprises - the backbone of our economy - weighed down by government tax policies, while one very large company pays less than 1% corporation tax."
On Tuesday night, Dáil (parliament) members were given a 16-page Department of Finance document on the background to the ruling.On Tuesday night, Dáil (parliament) 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 on Wednesday seeking an endorsement of its decision to appeal. 'Absolutely unbelievable'
Richard Boyd Barrett of People Before Profit told the Dáil it was "a farce" that the debate was being held despite the fact that members could not see the full European ruling.
"It's absolutely unbelievable that we're going to make a decision that has enormous implications for this state - to say no to 13bn euros - and we have not even got access to the ruling," he said.
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".