Michael Healy-Rae
Question:88. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance the reason a car (details supplied) has not been returned to its owner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24538/19]
View answerWednesday, 12 June 2019
Questions (88)
Written answers
I am advised by Revenue that contrary to the position as conveyed to the Deputy, the person concerned was not in possession of nor had he applied for an exemption from Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) when the vehicle concerned was seized by Revenue in February 2017.
In June 2017 Revenue wrote to the individual outlining the release terms for the vehicle which included the condition that the vehicle be registered in the State and that VRT be paid on the day the vehicle was released. Revenue Officers met with the individual by appointment in Tralee NCT Centre at the end of August 2017 but as a result of his failure to pay the VRT, the vehicle was not released to him. Despite three further letters from Revenue, the person concerned has failed to meet the terms for release of the vehicle in question.
I am advised by Revenue that if the person concerned wishes to have the vehicle released he must pay the VRT due. I am further advised that if he subsequently carries out works to the vehicle (in accordance with S.I. 353 of 1994) this would entitle him to an exemption under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme and at that point he should apply to Revenue for an exemption from VRT and for the refund of any residual VRT and VAT.