Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
79. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Finance if a feasibility study has been carried out on the introduction of personalised number plates based on the UK model; if this is an income avenue his Department will consider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36793/17]
View answerUnder the Finance Act 1992 Revenue has responsibility for vehicle identification marks (registration numbers) in the State and the registration format is prescribed in Statutory Instrument No. 318 of 1992, Vehicle Registration and Taxation Regulations (as amended).
There is provision that Revenue may assign to a vehicle a registration number reserved by the owner on payment of a fee of €1,000, but this registration number must comply with the format prescribed in S.I. No. 318 of 1992. In 2016, a total of 237 numbers were reserved with associated fees of €237,000. To date in 2017, a total of 217 numbers have been reserved with associated fees of €217,000. Apart from this facility to reserve a registration number, there is no scope within the current legislation to provide for a personalised number scheme. This issue has been raised a number of times over the years but the systems developments required, including registration plate recognition systems, would be likely to far outweigh the potential benefits to the Exchequer given the comparatively small national car population.
I am informed by Revenue that it has no plans to provide for personalised registration numbers.
