Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 4

Written Answers. - Car Sales.

John Gormley

Question:

252 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of the total number of car sales in 1997; the total car sales for export in 1997; the total revenue from car sales in Ireland to the Exchequer for 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18346/98]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information sought is as follows:

Number of cars (category A1 and A2) registered in 1997

New	136,890
Used	44,828
Total	181,718

Total Exchequer revenue from car sales in 1997

VRT	£386 million
VAT	£228 million (estimate)
Total:	£614 million (estimate)

Total car sales for export in 1997

It is not possible to give detailed figures as to the number of cars exported from Ireland. However, some 12,243 vehicles were registered in 1997 under the ZZ temporary registration system which is used to allow vehicles intended for export to be driven from the State. Added to this would be an unknown number of vehicles which are driven from the State by motor dealers using their trade plates or are shipped out on cartransporters.