Cabinet split on appeal of Apple tax ruling

The Government is split over plans to appeal the European Commission ruling that technology giant Apple owes the State €13bn in tax amid a growing public backlash over the position.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan is to seek formal support from Government effectively decline the lucrative windfall and to appeal the decision to the European courts at an emergency cabinet meeting today.

However, amid growing public anger over the Fine Gael plan to refuse the money, the Independent Alliance has warned it wants to examine all options, including forcing Apple to pay the funds back in full.