asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the hardship being caused to the citizens of Dublin by long delays in taxing their motor vehicles at the motor taxation office; if he will consider a number of alternatives such as allowing motor tax to be paid at post offices or setting up motor tax offices at suitable and convenient locations throughout the city and county of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dublin Motor Taxation.
246.
The matter of delays in taxing motor vehicles in the Dublin area has been the subject of consultation and discussion over the past few months between my Department and Dublin Corporation who are the statutory authority for the registration and licensing of motor vehicles in Dublin city and county. Earlier this year, my Department sanctioned the employment of additional temporary staff and the purchase and deployment of additional equipment with a view to improving the level and quality of service by the Dublin motor tax offices. Proposals for the employment of further staff are being examined.
As a result of representations from Dublin Corporation, I have agreed in principle to a feasibility study being carried out concerning the establishment of a motor tax sub-office within the functional area of the licensing authority. This proposal is now being developed by the corporation as a matter of urgency.
The proposed sub-office would be in the nature of a pilot scheme, the service initially would be confined to renewals of licences. At a later stage, it may be possible to extend the range of services.
As to the use of Post Office facilities for the payment of motor tax it is considered that this would give rise to serious practical problems. The administration of the registration and licensing system, including the issue of licences is the statutory responsibility of the licensing authority. Specially trained staff are required to deal, inter alia, with the determination of the appropriate taxation class and rates of duty applicable to vehicles as well as arrears of duty which may be due. Considerable security problems could also arise in relation to transfer and safe-keeping of licences (tax discs). Accordingly, I do not favour the use of post offices for the payment of motor tax.