The comments and opinions expressed by Ray D’Arcy during his weekday RTÉ Radio 1 broadcast may vary widely in style and content, ranging from shrewd observations to rather pointless remarks, delivered in either a down-to-earth, realistic tone or one of affected simplicity. Nevertheless, he is typically not known for sharp political critiques in his opening remarks. However, during Tuesday’s episode, he deftly presented his views on the Government’s reaction to the European Court of Justice’s decision that Apple must contribute over €13 billion in back taxes.
“I understand that it’s a complex issue, but we’ve finally received the amount that we were not anticipating,” he mentions this in reference to the Government’s legal attempts to avert such a conclusion. Having unavoidably reached this circumstance, D’Arcy posed a question to his listeners about what they believe should be done with the sum. He expressed this thought partially in jest, but wholly seriously.
He does share a few of his assumptions about how the money could be utilized. D’Arcy estimates that the budget could be allocated to construct 39,000 domestic structures or seven medical facilities, or alternatively elevate Ireland’s mental health budget to match the average European standard. He also speculates that the penalty will not drastically impact Apple’s overall profits, considering the tech giant’s estimated worth of roughly €3 trillion. With awe in his voice, he adds, “That’s with 12 zeroes.” Moreover, he mentioned that the controversial tax regulations have been reformed, meaning it won’t affect Ireland’s continued association with Apple.
D’Arcy typically adopts a jovial but cynical character at the start of his broadcasts. He is at ease flitting between conversational topics, from technological advancements to an appreciation for the daily changing Google homepage doodle to the auditory satisfaction of recycling plastic bottles. However, in this instance, his thoughts on the recent judgement formed just a part of his usual improvised rumination.
This flood of irrelevant details is so hasty and chaotic, it can render the typical teenager’s social media feed to resemble a detailed novel, at least until the program’s host progresses to the interview phase, exhibiting a wider emotional and thematic spectrum.
That being said, D’Arcy accurately portrays the public sentiment of aggravated confusion over the idea of the Apple windfall being anything other than positive news. Furthermore, his instant judgement of the situation resonates more than the Ministers’ grave tone, who, when probed concerning the decision, exude surprise as if they were lottery winners claiming the cash wouldn’t affect their lifestyles, except in this instance, they appear sincerely uninterested in the value.
In a conversation with the Drivetime’s host Cormac Ó hEadhra (aired on RTÉ Radio 1, every weekday), junior minister Niall Collins asserts the government’s decision to contest the case was justified. “Without supporting and defending our policy we risk sending out a signal of unpredictability and insecurity,” he declares. Despite his convictions, Ó hEadhra remains uncertain, sceptically questioning the wisdom of challenging a deal that lowered Apple’s tax to a rock-bottom rate of 0.005% in 2014.
Despite the host’s questioning whether the contested Apple funds could have potentially resolved the housing crisis if the original verdict from the European Commission had been accepted, Collins remains steadfastly defensive.
Ó hEadhra’s impression of the Government “grudgingly receiving the €14 billion” is, if anything, slightly too forgiving, given the reluctant acceptance of the court ruling. Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien’s guest appearance Morning Ireland (another weekday programme on RTÉ Radio 1) elicits a less gruff response, however, his reaction to the unexpected tax windfall is far from celebratory. “The Government must acknowledge and respect this verdict,” he responsibly assures host Gavin Jennings, all the while evading promises to use the newfound wealth for housing development.
The dreary responses from politicians appear to be not aligned with public sentiment and exhibit a worrisome sense of detachment when the mistrust in established politics is soaring. There’s a clear distinction between safeguarding the country’s long-standing economic strategy of foreign direct investment and favouring multinational corporations over the electorate by resisting a financial windfall for eight years at substantial cost, as Jennings articulates it.
Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty’s charge on Today with Claire Byrne (RTÉ Radio 1, weekdays) that the Government persisted in upholding what is clearly indefensible by contesting the Apple case, seems to be a reasonable critique, as opposed to merely an exaggeration of political bias.
In the midst of diverse recommendations on the utilisation of this money, with Dr Eddie Casey of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council expressing concern over reckless spending, the housing crisis persists. Claire Byrne discusses with reporter Brian O’Connell the acute scarcity of student housing, forcing many university candidates to defer or resort to protracted commuting, while others grapple with steep rents, crammed spaces, bedsharing, and restrictive terms in accommodation.
Expectedly, campus life is affected. O’Connell suggests that university societies are dwindling as students who commute depart in the evenings. He states that the campus ambiance is significantly altering, and students are missing out on comprehensive university experiences.
This chain reaction extends beyond simply curtailed extracurricular activities, as D’Arcy slips into conversation with child psychotherapist Colman Noctor. Noctor identifies the rising number of isolated young men in universities as a substantial issue. He now finds it more challenging to reassure introverted teens about finding their circles in university life. Reduced social skills of technology-based youngsters and the declining presence of campus clubs limiting socialisation opportunities might contribute to this. However, Noctor notes that institutions need to facilitate student incorporation.
These insights from D’Arcy underline the escalating societal issues fundamental to Irish existence.
Apple tax gain: Ireland’s reluctant acceptance and suggestions for its expenditure.