Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Dec 2003

Vol. 577 No. 5

Written Answers. - Motor Taxation.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

205 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that for some drivers with larger cars, motor tax now constitutes a higher bill than insurance; the rationale on environmental grounds, in charging higher taxes to larger cars which do low mileage than to smaller cars which may do high mileage; his views on whether this current policy of increasing motor tax for environmental reasons is flawed in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31925/03]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

The long-standing approach to motor taxation in Ireland involves determining the taxation category of a vehicle by reference to factors such as engine size, vehicle weight, type of vehicle and the purposes for which it is used. I am, however, examining a rebalancing of the motor tax system to favour more fuel efficient vehicles with lower CO2 emissions.