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19th Sep 2024

Government reveals what the €14bn Apple windfall will be spent on

Sophie Collins

The Irish Government has made a significant decision in terms of where to allocate the €14 billion windfall from the Apple tax.

There has been a ruling towards key state infrastructure projects, including housing, roads, and water systems, according to the Irish Independent.

This decision follows a recent meeting between the leaders of the Coalition parties and finance ministers, where the group discussed the upcoming Budget and how best to use the unexpected revenue.

The European Court of Justice recently ruled in favour of Ireland in a long-standing legal dispute over Apple’s tax payments. 

The ruling enabled the Irish Government to secure €14 billion in taxes, which had previously been contested. While this ruling has created a substantial financial windfall, it has also attracted criticism from opposition members. 

During a Dáil debate, Opposition TDs expressed frustration that the Government had spent €10 million in taxpayer money to fight the case, suggesting that the funds could have been collected sooner.

At a Fine Gael parliamentary meeting, Taoiseach Simon Harris provided further clarity on how the government intends to use the €14 billion. 

He emphasised that the funds will be directed towards long-term investments in infrastructure, aiming to improve the country’s future through strategic projects. 

Harris also dismissed claims that the funds could have been secured earlier, labelling these suggestions as misleading.

While the full details of the investment plan are set to be unveiled on Budget Day, Harris assured his party that the Government is committed to using the funds responsibly. 

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