Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. I do not understate that there are many complexities involved. It is not a case of simply exchanging bank account details and money being transferred. However, in delaying this process the Government has given ammunition to those who seek to target Ireland in regard to corporation tax. The common consolidated corporate tax base, CCCTB, proposals have been refloated by the European Commission, along with proposals to tax digital companies based on turnover and President Juncker has been talking about removing the veto in regard to corporation tax matters.

These are very serious issues. The key issue is that by not meeting the European Commission's deadline for collecting the money from Apple we have provided those who seek to target us with unnecessary ammunition. I do not understand why the Minister will not say when he expects the money to be paid over. The money should be collected by Ireland pending the outcome of the appeal. Fianna Fáil supports the Government's appeal but respects the decision that was made and the money should be collected pending the appeal. Why can the Minister not say when that will be done? Can he update the House on the sum of money involved?

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