Irish tax criticisms unfair, says finance minister Noonan

Critics of Ireland’s tax regime are drawing outdated and unfair caricatures, the Republic’s finance minister Michael Noonan has said.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.

Noonan said Apple had not been shown favouritism.

“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“The reaction to the European Commission’s decision has, at times, painted an outdated and unfair caricature of Ireland’s position on tax.

“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.”

He said the European Commission ruling encroached on sovereign states’ decisions on tax and contained contradictions on where Apple owed tax.

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.

Last week, the government said a motion would come before the Dáil 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.

He called the European Commission’s decision “maddening” and “political”.