ENLARGE Cows graze in Cork outside the campus of Apple, which the EU says has received illegal tax breaks. The debate before Wednesday’s vote revealed clear political divisions over how crucial Ireland’s tax policies are in drawing foreign firms. Harm to Ireland’s reputation hasn’t been evident in investors’ response to the Apple ruling. They also say if the government did collect all the taxes it is due, Ireland could afford better health services and schools. He also wondered aloud why the commission hadn’t launched similar investigations in France, given that it effectively taxes companies at a lower rate than Ireland.

Source: Wall Street Journal September 08, 2016 20:48 UTC