Vehicle Registration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017

Wednesday, 26 July 2017

Questions (106)

Gino Kenny

Question:

106. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Finance his views on and his plans to implement the ruling of the European Court of Justice (details supplied) that appears to indicate that Irish citizens have a right under EU law to drive a car that they own and is registered in another member state in Ireland if it is intended essentially for use in another member state; the timeframe for the legislation to implement the EU ruling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35112/17]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

Ruling C-420/15 of the Court of Justice of the European Union concerns the circumstances in which an obligation to register a motor vehicle in a Member State would constitute an obstacle to freedom of movement for workers.

National legislation provides that Irish citizens have the right to drive a car in Ireland that is registered in another Member State for a period of thirty days before it must be registered in Ireland. This provision ensures that freedom of movement is not restricted in the manner reported in this case. The general requirement that vehicles being used in Ireland must be registered in Ireland is consistent with EU law and I have no plans to introduce any changes in this regard.