Enda Kenny has accused Brussels of a power grab, by trying to interfere in Ireland's corporate tax affairs.

The claim came as the Dail begins its debate on the Apple Tax ruling.

Although the government decision has already been made, the Dáil is being reconvened at the insistence of independent ministers in cabinet.

They say that such an important decision needs to be debated and approved by the whole Dáil - but in reality today’s sitting is more about offering political cover, by securing Fianna Fáil’s support for an appeal too.

There are several amendments up for discussion however - with Sinn Féín trying to overturn the decision to appeal, and the Social Democrats looking to delay it until after the full ruling is published by the European Commission.

Michael Noonan began the mammoth Dáil debate with a firm insistence of the facts - insisting there was no sweetheart deal done, and that Ireland did not do deals with individual taxpayers.

But the government's been questioned on why it's opposing the European Commission now, when it didn't do so over water charges or burning bondholders.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly filed this report for Today FM's National Lunchtime News: