US senators say questions on Apple tax issue remain

Senator John McCain said Ireland still faces questions on how corporations use the country to lower taxes after Michael Noonan, the finance minister, moved to calm tensions triggered by Apple’s practices.

Mr Noonan laid out plans yesterday to scrap a measure in allowing firms registered in the country to be “stateless” in terms of tax residency.

This may enable companies to channel worldwide profits through their Irish-incorporated company and not have a tax liability anywhere, Mr Noonan told reporters. He said “not very many” firms other than Apple do this.