Written answers

Tuesday, 21 June 2016

Photo of Pearse DohertyPearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

124. To ask the Minister for Finance if he still intends to appeal the decision in the event of the European Union ruling that a company (details supplied) should repay tax to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16828/16]

Photo of Pearse DohertyPearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

125. To ask the Minister for Finance if he has met directly with the European Union Commission regarding its ongoing investigation into the tax affairs of a company (details supplied) here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16829/16]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 125 together.

In June 2014, the Competition Directorate of the European Commission announced its intention to open formal state aid investigations into tax rulings provided to a number of companies in various Member States of the European Union. Since October 2015, investigations in three other Member States have concluded. In each of these cases the Commission found that the Member States granted an illegal State Aid to the companies in question.

While the Commission has opened a formal investigation in relation to one particular case involving Ireland, it has not made a final determination in the matter. While there is no formal timeline for a when the final decision will be made in our case, I am aware of speculation about a possible decision in July.

This a priority matter and Ireland has co-operated fully with the process to date and will continue to do so. My Department has engaged closely with the Commission throughout this process. Detailed and comprehensive responses have been provided to the Commission demonstrating that the appropriate amount of Irish tax was charged in accordance with the relevant legislation, that no selective advantage was given and that there was no State Aid.

I remain of the view that there was no breach of State Aid rules in this case and that the legislative provisions were correctly applied. In the event that the Commission forms the view that there was state aid, Ireland is entitled to challenge this decision in the European Courts. As the Government has already indicated, we will take that course of action, if necessary, to continue to vigorously defend the Irish position.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.