BRUSSELS: The European Union (EU) says Ireland has given illegal tax benefits worth up to 13 billion euros ($14.5 billion) to Apple Inc. and must now recover the unpaid back taxes from the US technology company, plus interest.

EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said Tuesday: "Member states cannot give tax benefits to selected companies ─ this is illegal under EU state aid rules."

She said a three-year investigation found Ireland granted such lavish tax breaks to Apple over many years that the multinational's effective corporate tax rate on its European profits dropped from 1 per cent in 2003 to a mere 0.0005pc in 2014.

The Commission said "Ireland must now recover the unpaid taxes in Ireland from Apple for the years 2003 to 2014 of up to 13 billion euros ($14.5 billion), plus interest."

The Irish government denied granting favorable fiscal treatment to the maker of the iPhone and other consumer electronics products, computer software and online services.

"Ireland's position remains that the full amount of tax was paid in this case and no state aid was provided," the Irish statement said.

"Ireland does not do deals with taxpayers."

The Irish finance minister, Michael Noonan, said he would seek approval from the Irish Cabinet to appeal the EU Commission's ruling to European courts.

"It is important that we send a strong message that Ireland remains an attractive and stable location of choice for long-term substantive investment," Noonan said.

"Apple has been in Ireland since the 1980s and employs thousands of people in Cork."