Brendan Smith
Question:59 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, he has to expand the sites approved for crushing cars under the refund of vehicle registration tax scheme. [3936/97]
Written Answers. - Scrappage Scheme.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there are ten scrappage plants approved to scrap cars and issue certificates of destruction under the scrappage scheme. At the commencement of the scheme six such plants were approved. However, the number was later increased to ten following representations that certain parts of the country were not properly catered for. Approval was granted having regard to the geographical location of the plant; and the fact that the plant operators in question were already engaged in the business of scrapping cars on a large scale and had fixed crushing equipment for that purpose.
I am further informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are satisfied that the present number of approved plants cater adequately for demand under the scheme. Consequently, they have no plans to expand the number of approved operators unless the need for a further increase in the number becomes evident.