By Becky Evans PUBLISHED: 19:27 EST, 20 May 2013 | UPDATED: 11:31 EST, 21 May 2013 Apple has avoided paying billions in income tax by using dummy headquarters abroad, according to a damaging U.S. Senate report, but Ireland has today denied it is to blame. An investigation by a Senate committee said the tech giant sought the 'Holy Grail of tax avoidance' schemes by not declaring tax residency in any country. Irish deputy prime minister Eamon Gilmore today said it was not to blame for Apple Inc's low global tax payments and said they had no special rate with the company.
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Senate subcommittee says Apple skipped $9billion in federal taxes in 2012
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Says five affiliate companies in Cork, Ireland, used to avoid U.S. tax
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Report said: 'Ireland has essentially functioned as a tax haven for Apple'
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But Ireland today denied it had any special rates with Apple
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Sen. Carl Levin said company sought 'Holy Grail' of tax avoidance schemes
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Apple says it 'complies full with both the laws and spirit of the laws'
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CEO Time Cook heading to Washington to defend company's tactics
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