asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the changes that will take place on 1 January 1985 in relation to the importation of motor cars by private individuals, illustrating any changes in money terms between the present circumstances and the circumstances that will obtain then.
Written Answers. - Motor Car Imports.
196.
At present under the special arrangements for the motor vehicle assembly industry the commercial importation of fully built up motor vehicles is confined to persons registered as importers under the Motor Vehicles (Registration of Importers) Act, 1968. In accordance with the provisions of Protocol No. 7 annexed to Ireland's Treaty of Accession to the European Economic Communities, these special arrangements will be terminated on 1 January 1985.
From that date, therefore, private individuals may import fully built up motor vehicles without restriction. Vehicles of non-EEC origin, which are not in free circulation in the Community, will continue to be liable for the Common Customs Tarriff at the appropriate rate.
As to the possibility of any changes in money terms, I would refer the Deputy to the reply given by the Minister for Finance to Dáil Question No. 309 on 24 November 1983 in regard to the possible effects the removal of restrictions would have on the level of taxation on cars.
I would further refer the Deputy to the announcement by the Minister for Finance during the course of his Budget Statement to the House on 25 January 1984:
From 1 January, 1985 the restrictions which we have been allowed to maintain on importations of motor vehicles since our entry into the EEC will not longer apply. This does not mean that there will be any reduction in the level of excise duty on motor vehicles. While I am having the taxation regime for motor vehicles examined at present to see whether any changes would be desirable to meet the new circumstances, the intention will be to maintain the existing overall level of taxation in this area.