The European Commission is seeking additional information from Ireland as it continues its investigation into Apple's tax payments here.

This will delay the conclusion of the EU's long-running investigation into Apple's tax payments. A decision had been expected during the second quarter of this year.

Ireland's Government had expected these findings to be released during the next fortnight - it is now unlikely that a ruling will be made until well into 2016.

A spokesperson for the Department of Finance commented on the development: "Initially we had expected a decision before Christmas. Since then, the Commission has asked for further information, which we are providing to them."

While the Irish Government has consistently argued that it has been involved in no wrongdoing - similar cases involving Starbucks in the Netherlands and Fiat in Luxembourg found that state aid rules had been violated.

Irish politicians have indicated that they will launch an appeal if it is ruled that the EU's rules have been broken.

During his recent visit to Dublin Apple CEO, Tim Cook said that it would support the Government in launching such an appeal.

The Irish Times reports that the Commission may delay its findings if they are ready during an Irish General Election campaign - although it notes that sources in Brussels say that this will not be taken into consideration.

If Apple and the Irish Government are said to have broken EU rules, the Californian firm may be required to make up to 10 years of back tax payments.