I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 to 130, inclusive, together.
Section 139 (6) of the Finance Act 1992 provides that motor vehicles in respect of which certain offences relating to Vehicle Registration Tax were committed are liable to forfeiture, and section 141 (1) of the Finance Act 2001 empowers officers of the Revenue Commissioners to seize any vehicles that are liable to forfeiture. In the majority of cases in which a vehicle is seized in connection with an offence relating to Vehicle Registration Tax, the vehicle is subsequently released on payment of a penalty by the person concerned. There are certain instances, however, such as the existence of aggravating circumstances, where the possibility of resolving matters by way of payment of a penalty is not considered appropriate. Cases also arise in which the person concerned does not wish to avail of the possibility of paying a penalty. In such circumstances the vehicle may ultimately be forfeited to, and disposed of, by the Revenue Commissioners.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the specific information sought by the Deputy is as set out in the following table.
-
|
2011
|
2012
|
2013
|
Number of motor vehicles seized
|
1,587
|
1,181
|
1,112
|
Number of seized vehicles currently in the possession of Revenue, by year seized
|
9
|
12
|
47
|
Number of motor vehicles disposed of by Revenue
|
93
|
96
|
82
|
Proceeds from disposal of vehicles
|
€35,534
|
€136,584
|
€96,613
|