Should Ireland give the Apple tax billions to poorer countries?

Plus, the ongoing financial woes of the FAI

Listen | 59:26
Does Ireland really need Apple's tax billions? Photographer: Paul Hanna/Bloomberg

In his piece for the Irish Times earlier this week, CEO of Ibec Danny McCoy wrote about the ‘generational opportunity’ the next government will have to transform the country. Speaking with host Ciarán Hancock on this week’s episode of Inside Business, he explained how the key areas of infrastructure, education and energy strategy are central to maintaining a competitive economy here.

And in terms of the funding needed to address those three areas, McCoy warned against a long-term reliance on the current corporate tax bonanza, he instead suggested more taxation on the individual, a move he knows would be politically unpopular. And what about the €13 billion of Apple tax? Ibec’s chief suggested that Ireland could take the noble step of giving it to poorer countries who really need it.

Also on this episode, Irish Times Soccer Correspondent Gavin Cummiskey on the continuing financial struggles of the Football Association of Ireland as it finds itself still tens of millions in debt. Where does it leave League of Ireland clubs and emerging talent in a week where Dundalk FC had a near-death experience?

Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound.