Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 30 Nov 2000

Vol. 527 No. 2

Written Answers. - Vehicle Number Plates.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

16 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if he will give details of the scheme whereby the Revenue Commissioners allocate special number plates for new cars; the cost to each applicant; the number of such number plates allocated for 2001; the total revenue involved; if those who have been allocated such number plates can transfer or exchange them; and if not, the reason therefor. [27587/00]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

The scheme referred to by the Deputy is the facility whereby a person who intends to purchase a motor vehicle may choose and reserve a particular registration number in advance of registration.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who operate the reservation scheme, that the conditions and procedures are as follows: an application may be made only on or after 1 November of the year before it is intended to bring a vehicle into use; the fee for a reserved number is £250; the number chosen must be one in the normal format, and must correspond with the place where the applicant normally resides and the year in which the vehicle is to be first brought into use. All registration numbers are available for reservation, with the exception of the first number of each year issued in Cork, Dublin, Limerick and Waterford which is traditionally reserved to the Mayor-Lord Mayor of each of those cities; the registered owner of the vehicle must be the person in whose name the number was reserved. Reserved numbers are not transferable; reserved number may not be displayed on a vehicle until such time as it has been formally assigned by Revenue at the time of registration after it has been reached in the normal sequence. The processing of applications commences on the fourth working day of November each year. Applications are dealt with on a first-come first-served basis. Where a number of applications are received for the same number, at the same time, the successful applicant is decided by lottery. Where a reservation is cancelled, the number becomes available for reservation again, with priority being given to previously unsuccessful applicants, if any.

To date 490 numbers have been reserved for the year 2001. This amounts to £122,500 in fees.

I am informed that the reason why the Revenue Commissioners do not permit the transfer or exchange of reserved numbers is to ensure that each prospective motor vehicle owner has full and open access to the reservation system on a first-come first served basis, on payment of the prescribed fee. If transfers or exchanges were permitted, this would lead to the development of a commercial trade in reserved numbers and the block booking by individuals of desirable numbers which would be sold off to the highest bidder. This would militate against the ordinary motor vehicle owner being able to reserve the number of his or her choice on payment of the £250 fee. Transfers or exchanges would also have considerable implications for Revenue in the administration of the reservation scheme. These would include the need to ratify each transaction and adjudicate on disputes.