((auto translation by Reuters, see disclaimer https://bit.ly/rtrsauto))

An EU court order this week for Apple to pay 13 billion euros ($14.4 billion) to Ireland opens up opportunities for the government to address urgent needs for infrastructure, housing and investment projects, Prime Minister Simon Harris said on Thursday.

Ireland has fought alongside Apple since 2016 against the EU's back tax bill, trying to protect its position as the destination of choice for US multinationals in Europe, but agreed to use the money, which has since reached 13.8 billion euros. A blocked fund.

Ministers have vowed to decide in the coming weeks how to invest the funds, which make up half of Ireland's annual corporation tax, and Harris' comments suggest the funds will not be added to a new sovereign wealth fund.

“It can't be used for day-to-day expenses on the site () because you only get this money once, but there are options and possibilities about what we can do with this money .. how to deal with some of the challenges in infrastructure, capital and housing,” Harris told national broadcaster RTE.

“I always said over the summer, before the Apple verdict, when it comes to things like housing, water, energy, we have real restrictions in this country and we have to invest.