Apple Tax scandal: Dáil recall as Independents back Fine Gael appeal

THE Independent Alliance is to support plans by Fine Gael to appeal a European Commission investigation which found the Irish Government must recoup €13billion in unpaid taxes from computer giant Apple. 

The appeal will use taxpayers' money to argue against the €13billion windfall. The Dáil has been recalled and will debate the issue on Wednesday.

Despite earlier reports of opposition to an appeal, a statement released by the Independent Alliance – which includes TDs Shane Ross, Finian McGrath, John Halligan and Kevin 'Boxer' Moran – said the “integrity of the tax system and to provide tax certainty to business is paramount”.

The Independent Alliance, along with Minister Katherine Zappone, will now support an appeal by the Government to return the equivalent of Ireland's annual health budget to the world's most profitable company.

Fianna Fáil and the Labour Party have also outlined support for an appeal.

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald slammed the decision taken by the Government and its supporters. 

Speaking to reporters at Leinster House, the Dublin Central TD said it is a “sad and sorry state of affairs that they have decided to shape-up to Europe and appeal”:

“I can think of countless times when it was necessary to challenge the EU and Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil didn't do it. Instead it took a ruling against a very large corporation for Government and these other parties to suddenly decide there is an issue of national importance to be defended.”

She described the ability or allowance of Apple to avoid such an enormous amount of tax as an “obscenity”:

“It's an agenda that has nothing to do with standing by the people of Ireland. What it demonstrates an absolute disregard and disdain for citizens, fair play and tax justice,” she said.

Mary Lou said that the state has endured serious reputational damage from these scandals and said it was time for Government and the state to clean its act up.

“I understand the importance of foreign direct investment and the jobs they provide. However, I do not accept that in order to achieve that you need to tolerate a taxation system which is clearly deficient and allows enormous volumes of profits to go largely untaxed. Apple have made it very clear that the jobs in Cork are safe and their commitment to Ireland is secure.”

Mary Lou McDonald also called on members of the public to demonstrate against the Government when the Dáil returns on Wednesday.