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Labour to 'insist' on amendments to Government motion on Apple appeal

Labour finance spokesperson Joan Burton has said her party will table three amendments to th...
Newstalk
Newstalk

08.08 5 Sep 2016


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Labour to 'insist&...

Labour to 'insist' on amendments to Government motion on Apple appeal

Newstalk
Newstalk

08.08 5 Sep 2016


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Labour finance spokesperson Joan Burton has said her party will table three amendments to the Government motion on appealing the EU's Apple ruling.

The Dáil will be recalled on Wednesday to approve the appeal that was given the go-ahead by Cabinet.

A review of tax arrangements in Ireland will also be carried out following calls from independent ministers.

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Labour says it will "demand more be done to close down remaining loopholes in tax law; call for the introduction of minimum effective tax rates for all companies in the forthcoming Budget; and call for the establishment of a standing commission on taxation.

Deputy Burton said: “Based on what has been circulated in the media over the weekend, it seems that the motion which will be proposed by the Government will pay lip service to the idea of tax justice, but do no more than that.

"The Labour Party has clearly acknowledged the need for an appeal on the ruling of the commission to go ahead, so that we can get clarity on who sets Ireland’s corporate tax regime. But that’s no excuse for the Government to refuse to embrace further reforms that would make sure everyone pays their fair share.” 

Meanwhile, EU President has warned Ireland must obey the ruling.

Jean-Claude Juncker says the tech giant's €13bn bill in back taxes is based on 'fact' and has to be repaid.

Speaking at the G20 summit of world leaders, Mr Juncker added that ruling was not "a decision against the US".

"Our rules on state aid have always been clear," he said. "National authorities cannot give tax benefits to some companies and not to others.

"This is the level playing field the [European] Commission is always working to defend. We apply these rules without discrimination and without bias," he added.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan has branded the EC ruling as "bizarre and outrageous".

Apple CEO Tim Cook said the EU verdict was "an effort to rewrite Apple's history in Europe, ignore Ireland's tax laws and upend the international tax system in the process", adding that the company will appeal.


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