Apple's Cork announcement: Clear up fog around the ‘double Irish’

EVER since Apple began manufacturing in Cork exactly 35 years ago this month, it has been the undisputed jewel in the crown of Ireland’s burgeoning tech sector.

Known as the world’s most profitable company and also for having its most valuable brand, it directly employs 5,000 employees in Cork and supports nearly 18,000 people in a swathe of related industries up and down the country.

With the notable exception of the embarrassing double-Irish tax arrangement — a mechanism whereby Apple reduces tax liabilities by channelling 60% of profits through three businesses based in this country — the story of Apple’s time in Cork has been one of unmitigated success.