Eamon Quinn: Government continues to fight to retain control over corporate tax regime  

The State has long pushed back against any attempt by the European  Commission to encroach on its right to set corporation tax rates. Picture: PA

Apple's tax affairs with Ireland sparked controversy long before the European Commission ruled four years ago that Ireland had struck sweetheart tax deals and ought to retrieve €13bn in back taxes, plus interest, from the phone giant. 

However, a successful appeal brought to the EU General Court by the Government and Apple means that Ireland didn't break state-aid rules and that the huge tax pot will be staying with Apple after all.