asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the reason an import licence for eight FX4 cars was granted to a person (details supplied); and the reason the Irish Taxi Federation cannot acquire a licence to import FX4 vehicles.
Written Answers. - Car Import Licences.
395.
Under the Motor Vehicles (Registration of Importers) Act, 1968, fully built up motor vehicles may normally be permanently imported only by those registered firms which have been engaged in the assembly or importation of motor vehicles under a franchise or corresponding arrangement. There is, however, special provision whereby persons transferring residence and/or business from abroad are allowed to import vehicles if certain, long-established criteria are satisfied. The Deputy can be assured that in the case in question these criteria were fully satisfied. In this regard I would emphasise that an import authorisation on transfer of residence and/or business does not remit the excise duty and VAT payable on the vehicle or vehicles. The levying of these charges and the valuation of motor vehicles for import purposes are solely the concern of the Revenue Commissioners.
The Irish Taxi Federation are not registered importers under the Act and, in their circumstances, the question of affording them special facilities relating to transfer of residence or business does not arise.