The EU successfully compelled Ireland to reclaim the unpaid taxes, but it likely cannot dictate how the country spends—or even retains—the revenue.

Ireland’s government has been told it needs to collect €14bn (£11.8bn) in back taxes from Apple. The EU’s highest court ruled that the US technology firm had benefited from an illegal sweetheart tax deal in the country.

The Government said the State will consider the ruling 'carefully' adding that their position has 'always been that Ireland does not give preferential tax treatment to any companies or taxpayers'

Europe's highest court ordered Apple to pay back Ireland for 11 years' worth of unfair tax breaks. Plus, we explore ghost towns for sale.

The Court of Judgement of the European Union’s (ECJ) tax ruling against Apple seemed to cement the notion that Ireland gave the iPhone giant sweetheart deals on tax in return for locating substantial investment here,