Ireland is fighting the European Commission to support the company Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC), in his fight to prove that the tax agreements made with the Irish government to reduce income and profit taxes are not illegal. A government commission was formed in Ireland to investigate the deals between the company and the government, and Tim Cook was invited to speak in front of its members.
The president of Apple refused to speak before this commission, and some members consider that this refusal is a sign that Tim Cook does not respect the Irish. Although an Apple director explained in a letter addressed to the commission that the company's lawyers recommended that its managers not be involved in actions of this kind in order not to affect the outcome of a trial with the European Commission, some Irish people do not understand this.
The problem is based on the fact that a few years ago Tim Cook appeared before a US senatorial committee and supported the tax agreements made with Ireland. The same thing did not happen in Ireland, and the politicians there rightfully feel less important than those in the USA, but their anger will not change the situation in any way.
Considering that the lawyers of the Apple company recommended that no one from the management be present in Ireland in order not to generate new tensions with the European Commission, the Irish should understand the situation. However, considering that the politicians are the ones who are angry, it is clear that in the middle it is an attempt to attract political capital and nothing more.
"Given the sensitive nature of the investigation and the timing, we have been advised not to undertake any other direct activities, which could potentially prejudice future outcomes. It is on this basis that we are unable to appear before the committee on this occasion."
