Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

291. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the assessment made in an article (details supplied) that if the company referred to was forced to pay back tax due to the Irish Exchequer because of an infraction of state aid rules, the amount could be up to $6 billion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15155/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My officials are continuing to engage fully with the ongoing state aid investigation, and we have comprehensively addressed the Commission's concerns making it clear that the appropriate amount of Irish tax was charged in accordance with the relevant legislation.

I am still firmly of the view that there was no breach of State aid rules in this case and we will continue to defend all aspects of the case.

It therefore would not be appropriate to comment on media speculation as to what aid, if any, the company might have to repay in the event of a finding of state aidand I do not intend to do so. 

It is important to emphasise that the Commission have only opened a formal investigation at this stage; they have not made a final determination on state aid in respect of Ireland. 

However, in the event that the Commission does form the view that there was state aid, Ireland is entitled to challenge this decision in the European Courts.  As I and my colleagues in Government have already indicated, we will take that course of action, if necessary, and vigorously defend the Irish position.