Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
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83. To ask the Minister for Finance the amount spent defending a tax judgment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30962/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has never accepted the Commission’s analysis in the Apple State aid decision and is challenging the Commission's decision before the European Courts. Notwithstanding this, the Irish authorities have engaged fully with the Commission throughout the State aid investigation. This involved a significant degree of legal and technical complexity, and additional expertise has been engaged where required.

Recovery of the alleged aid is progressing, with the expectation that the total amount will have transferred into the escrow fund by the end of September, 2018.

Over the past four years, costs of approximately €2.7 million (including VAT) have been incurred in relation to defending the State’s position on the Commission’s decision and the annulment application before the European Courts. This includes all legal costs, consultancy fees and other associated costs. These fees have been paid by the Department of Finance, Revenue Commissioners, NTMA, Central Bank of Ireland, Attorney General's Office and the Chief State Solicitor's Office. As this is an important issue for the State, the case will continue to be resourced as appropriate.