This has been well overdue, but it does leave a sour-taste knowing that Apple, essentially, had to grow its empire to the current state before a move by the EU was ever made. This is a big fault on the EU's part for viewing this situation as an opportunity for Apple to part with cash, but I suppose better late than never.
Tax reliefs are more often than not a response to bullying tactics, which in this case is obvious as Apple knows how important their business is to Ireland's economy.
Apple will of course appeal and spew the usual "we pay every dollar we owe" - a way of side-stepping the original topic. Yes, they do and have paid every dollar owed, but it is the original fee that is put into question.
I should also point out that Apple loves to take the high-ground on any subject that may cause controversy. Cook's repeated plea that Apple "wants to leave the world a better place" is interesting, given he accepted a tax rate of 0.005%. If he cared so much for those who contribute to the company's operations and success, he would willingly up the percentage to a more admirable number, and/or indeed contribute more to Apple's operations outside of a doughnut in California.
With the tens of billions they have tucked away (I don't recall the number), they're not fooling anyone.
