Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 May 2011
130 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the facility to declare non-use of vehicles for taxation purposes is used; and the amount of revenue lost from the practice. [12865/11]
View answer131 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if vehicle owners are making declarations of non-use of vehicles after the time of supposed non-use has elapsed and in some cases when they in fact used the vehicle during that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12866/11]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 131 together.
The most recent verified figures available to me indicate that the value of off-the-road declarations made during the 15 months from May 2009 to July 2010 inclusive was over €94 million. An off-the-road declaration in relation to any month can only be accepted after that month has expired.
I am concerned at the high level of off-the-road declarations being made and I am aware that current procedures governing the making of such declarations may be open to potential abuse. I have asked my Department, in the context of a general revision of motor tax law, to take steps to address the procedures in this regard.
