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AFTER DAYS OF scrutiny from the US Senate and international media, Enda Kenny has denied that special tax arrangements were made with two subsidiaries of tech giant Apple.
Speaking ahead of a Council of Europe meeting in Brussels this morning, the Taoiseach said Ireland’s corporate tax rate is statute based, clear and transparent. “We do not do special deals with companies in regard to the tax rate,” he added.
The Fine Gael leader claimed Ireland has been at the forefront of an international consensus to tackle “aggressive tax planning” by multinationals.
He told reporters that the European Commission has not been in contact with his office about Apple or any other company.
“Ireland does not allow for tax rate deals with individual companies,” he reiterated, stating he would say repeat that if necessary during today’s meeting, where the agenda will focus on both tax and energy.
Ireland will continue to compete for international business and a stable corporate tax rate is not the only reason companies choose it, according to Kenny who cited the country’s technology sector, track record and talent pool.
He also said that Ireland will continue to share tax information with the US, be party to OECD focus groups and stay in tune with movements internationally in terms of multinationals’ aggressive tax plans operating in many jurisdictions.
Entering the same meeting earlier in the morning, Great Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron said today’s event was important as the EU has to ensure companies pay taxes and countries share information.
“I want Britain to be a winner in the global race,” he added. “It is important to make sure the EU act together. It is good for our countries and for countries in the developing world.”
The meeting comes just days after Apple was accused of using Ireland as a tax haven by a US Senate subcommittee, which believes the firm negotiated a lower-than-normal two per cent tax rate. The company is not accused of doing anything illegal, and a statement denied using ‘tax gimmicks’. The Revenue and Finance Department also denied a special tax deal was negotiated with Apple.
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The passenger that will potentially affected is said to be very worried
Sources have just confirmed he will instead drive the 2:30 mins from Cork to Dublin and, to ensure he arrives on time for his meeting, will leave his house 15 minutes earlier then originally planned.
Or possibly a train … seeing as no airliine has operated the Cork/Dublin route for years
There is a flight from Dublin to Cork but it flys via Berlin ;)
I hear Ryanair fly Dublin-Dundalk to Cork-Dungarvan.
Well it’s a bit of a problem if you’re trying to get the UK. For example from Cork flights to places like Bristol and Manchester are operated by Aer Arann
Let them strike. A bus is cheaper and, once security etc. are taken into account, nearly as quick.
Aer Arann operate the majority of the Aer Lingus UK regional routes. A long wait for the next bus …
“The strike, if it goes ahead, will affect Aer Arran flights and regional flights operated on behalf of Aer Lingus.” – The word INTERNATIONAL is not there.
Aer Lingus don’t operate any DOMESTIC Irish routes
Is Eileen Dunne from R.T.E. doing anyone else’s head in with her “Aer Ooran”
Aer lingus regional flights operated by Aer arann primarily go to the UK, I should know, supposed to be heading to Edinburgh on one next Tuesday!!!
Yes. The only domestic flight they operate is from Dublin to Kerry. They’re not really a ‘regional’ airline at all.
I will buy a hat and eat it if they strike. Most of them paid Arran 17000 to start work there. If they strike they will get fired and thus lose the ability to payback their loan.
This isn’t even news?
Has anyone really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like?
Couldnt agree more Mr Green Baxter.
Strike away and see if anyone cares
Ah good , was loosing sleep over this. They are talking at least. Might be able to grab a nap at least
And here’s me thinking Ryanair were the bad boys of Irish aviation.
Is this going to affect *anyone*?
Me
have your say