IDA Statement On Eu Commission Ruling that Apple owes Ireland €13 billion in unpaid taxes

IDA Ireland (Ireland’s Investment Promotion Agency) notes today’s decision by the EU Competition Commissioner.

IDA Ireland Chief Executive Martin Shanahan said “Ireland’s position has not changed – we do not do tax deals, and it’s simply untrue and a gross mischaracterisation of our taxation regime to say otherwise.”

The Irish Government has again reiterated that Ireland did not give favourable tax treatment to Apple.

“Ireland has one of the most open, consistent and competitive taxation regimes in the world and together with our other offerings in terms of talent, access to the European market and pro-enterprise policies, Ireland has been hugely successful in attracting foreign companies to establish and expand in Ireland. Over 300,000 people are employed directly or indirectly in FDI companies in Ireland.”

The Commission has acknowledged that the decision does not call into question Ireland’s general tax system or its corporate tax rate.

“This decision does not impact on Ireland’s value proposition and I believe that Ireland will continue to win investment and, in that light, we welcome Apple’s restated commitment to Ireland today building on its significant presence here.”

Apple has operated continuously in Cork since 1980 and today they employ nearly 6,000 people across Ireland. The vast majority are still in Cork — including some of the company’s very first employees — now performing a wide variety of functions as part of Apple’s global footprint. Countless multinational companies followed Apple by investing in Cork, and today the local economy is stronger than ever.

Ireland has been a full participant and to the forefront in international efforts to address Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) and abides fully with OECD guidelines. Ireland has made necessary changes to its taxation regime as international tax rules have developed over the years.

The Commission’s decision appears to be internally contradictory and its basis flawed.

It is now clear that the Commission decision is likely to be appealed by both the Company and the Irish Government – therefore, we will have to await a final outcome in this case.