Irish government split over immediate appeal against Apple tax bill

Cabinet meets amid divisions as to correct response to European commission ruling ordering company to pay back a13bn

Ireland's governing coalition is split over whether or not the state should immediately appeal against the European commission ruling ordering Apple to pay a13bn (11bn) in back tax to the Irish government, and will hold further talks later this week before reaching a decision.

As the cabinet met in Dublin on Wednesday, it emerged that the Independent Alliance, some members of which are government ministers, was not prepared to back an appeal. The group of TDs helps shore up the minority Fine Gael administration.