Apple’s tax affairs with Ireland sparked controversy long before the European Commission ruled four years ago that Ireland had struck sweetheart tax deals and ought to retrieve €13bn in back taxes, plus interest, from the phone giant.

There was a resurgence in business confidence in Cork in the second quarter of 2020 as businesses navigated the uncertainty of the Covid-19 public health emergency.

Ireland’s tourism industry faces “devastation” if it is not central to the Government’s pending economic stimulus and support package through a Vat reduction and a €1.5bn rescue fund, an industry body has warned.