The Taoiseach has defended the State’s €7m legal bill in the €14bn Apple tax case insisting Ireland must defend its international reputation from suggestions it’s a tax haven.

The world’s biggest multi-nationals, including Apple and Google, insist they have paid every cent they legally owe in tax in every country in which they operate, including Ireland.

Two of Ireland’s most successful businesswomen were last night honoured by their alma mater at the UCC Alumni Achievement Awards.

APPLE Computers has broken the 2,000 jobs mark for the first time at its facility in Hollyhill, Cork, where it plans to recruit up to 300 personnel within the next 12 months.