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.

Over the past seven years approximately €7.1 million (including VAT) has been paid in total, of which approximately €3.7 million relates to the recovery process. 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 Chief State Solicitor’s Office. As this is an important issue for the State, the case will continue to be resourced as necessary.

We have received legal advice that the disclosure of information relating to professional fees paid to named barristers on foot of a PQ is likely to be in breach of the GDPR and the Data Protection Act.  It is, however, possible to provide anonymised or aggregated information regarding Counsels fees provided that this is done in such a way as to protect the identity the individual barristers.

In reply to your questions the following table provides details of the legal fees incurred to date, inclusive of VAT.