Advertisement

Kenny and Noonan discussed 'Apple tax' appeal with Google and Facebook

It has been revealed that Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Finance Minister Michael Noonan held meet...
Newstalk
Newstalk

16.00 27 Mar 2017


Share this article


Kenny and Noonan discussed &am...

Kenny and Noonan discussed 'Apple tax' appeal with Google and Facebook

Newstalk
Newstalk

16.00 27 Mar 2017


Share this article


It has been revealed that Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Finance Minister Michael Noonan held meetings with Google and Facebook to discuss the EU's 'Apple tax' ruling.

Documents released to the Sunday Independent under the Freedom of Information Act show that Google's global head of public policy Caroline Atkinson requested a meeting with Mr Kenny to discuss the case.

Advertisement

He briefed them on "the Government's intention to appeal" against the ruling, "on the basis that there was no deal or special treatment."

A spokesperson for the Taoiseach added that the meeting, "took place at Google's request to facilitate engagement between the Taoiseach and one of their senior executives - who was then visiting Europe and wished to brief the Taoiseach on Google's activities and plans."

Google is expected to expand its Irish operation in 2017.

Michael Noonan met with Facebook officials, including chief financial officer Dave Wehner during his visit to the US.

He also met Facebook's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg informally at an event at the world Economic Forum in Davos.

It is reported that these discussions did not go beyond the Department of Finance's previous statements regarding the ruling.

The Government and Apple have both appealed against the EU decision which ruled that the tech firm owes the Irish state some €13bn in back-taxes.

 

Share this article


Read more about

News

Most Popular