Apple CEO Tim Cook has held private meetings with the European Union's competition chief Margrethe Vestager as European authorities reach the end of their investigation into the company's tax affairs in Ireland.
The coming together took place as Taoiseach Enda Kenny described the claims that Ireland gave the Californian company a 'sweetheart' tax deal as "false and baseless."
Both Apple and the European Commission have confirmed that this meeting took place but have not offered any further details.
Recent investigations into Starbucks' tax payments in the Netherlands, and Fiat Chrysler's in Luxembourg have resulted in these companies being forced to pay back taxes.
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Starbucks' shares fell by 4% last night after the company released disappointing quarterly results.
The downturn was caused by weaker-than-expected sales in Europe and Asia.
Global sales in stores open for at least 13 months rose by 8% during the company's first quarter which ended on December 27th - while sales in the US rose by 9%.
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250 new jobs have been announced at Accenture in Dublin.
The global professional services company is looking for a range of people - from entry level graduates to experienced executives in areas such as digital marketing, data science, and customer service.
The positions will be rolled out by the end of August.
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Talks are to take place at the Workplace Relations Commission today in an effort to avert a strike by Luas staff next month.
SIPTU representatives will attend the talks with management of Transdev, the Luas operator.
The talks are aimed at finding a resolution to a dispute over workers terms and conditions.
Staff have voted for two 48-hour work stoppages next month.
