Chartered Accountants Ireland said today’s decision by the General Court of the European Union in the Apple case recognises “commercial realities and principles of fairness over legal technicalities”.

Chartered Accountants Ireland said today’s decision by the General Court of the European Union in the Apple case recognises “commercial realities and principles of fairness over legal technicalities”. 
Brian Keegan, Director of Public Policy at Chartered Accountants Ireland, said an initial reading of the decision suggests that the court did not accept the Commission’s contention that the administrative decisions in the Apple case were flawed. 
“The Commission had not challenged Ireland’s tax laws but rather how they were applied. The outcome vindicates Ireland’s adherence, not just to Irish but also to European rules when levying taxation,” Brian Keegan said.
Mr Keegan also said he hoped the Commission will accept the decision of the General Court of the European Union, and not seek to damage Ireland’s reputation further with protracted legal proceedings. 
Commenting on today’s decision, Ibec’s chief executive Danny McCoy said the business group wants Ireland to be the best place in the world as a business location. 
“As such, it is crucial for all businesses, multinational and indigenous, that Ireland’s tax system is, and is seen to be, transparent and equitable,” Mr McCoy added.
Meanwhile, the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland said it welcomed today’s decision by the General Court of the European Union on its ruling in favour of the appeal by Ireland.
Mark Redmond, chief executive of American Chamber, said it had fully supported the Government’s decision to appeal the original ruling. 
“As the global economy edges toward a recovery from the Covid crisis, it is crucial for future growth that the European Union maintains its hard won global reputation as an inward investment destination underpinned by key pillars including certainty and transparency,” Mr Redmond added.