Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Oct 1993

Vol. 434 No. 6

Written Answers. - Vehicles Seized by Customs.

Ivor Callely

Question:

67 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Finance the number of motor vehicles seized by customs officials from 1 January 1993 to date; the total number of motor vehicles seized in the years 1987 to 1992; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the numbers of vehicles seized from 1 January, 1993 to date is 1,309. For the period 1987 to 1992 the number was as follows:

1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992
1,385	1,764	1,863	1,838	1,920	1,529

The most common reason for the seizure of a motor vehicle is failure to pay the appropriate taxes due on it. Prior to 1 January 1993, the taxes on vehicles were excise duty and Value Added Tax. From 1 January 1993, these taxes were replaced by a vehicle registration tax.

A special nationwide enforcement exercise to detect vehicles with the appropriate taxes not paid on them took place from 15 to 28 September, 1993. As a result of the exercise 278 vehicles (21 per cent of the 1993 total to date) were seized. The Commissioners inform me that they will continue to vigorously pursue vehicles on which the appropriate taxes have not been paid.