Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2024
86. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 354 of 24 March 2021, if registering a vehicle in a false name and address is illegal; his plans to implement this section (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5517/24]
View answerIt is important to distinguish between registration of a vehicle, from subsequent processing activity in its vehicle lifecycle. Initial registration of all new and imported vehicles is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners, so any data quality issues around the name and address details registered for such vehicle owners, and verification of same, is a matter for that office.
My previous response was in relation to subsequent activity, where vehicle owners engage with systems my Department currently manage. In this regard, Section 4 of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 amends existing legislation and enables a unique identifier to be captured where a vehicle’s ownership changes, or when it is being licensed. This will normally be a driver number, but if that is unavailable it may be a PPSN. The requirement for such owner verification details to be supplied will require significant change to how such services are currently provided and will require consultation with a number of stakeholders both within and outside my Department. My Department hopes to begin that engagement this year. Section 4 will be commenced when the necessary preparations have been concluded.
