asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the total amount of money paid by Irish motorists, which should include all mechanically propelled vehicles, to the Irish Exchequer in 1940, 1950, 1960, 1970 and each of the years from 1980 to 1985 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on tthe matter.
Written Answers. - Revenue from Motorists.
81.
As regard the years mentioned by the Deputy other than the years 1980 to 1985, table 1 represents total receipts from Customs and Excise duties as applicable on motor vehicles, motor vehicle parts and accessories, tyres and tubes, and oils (a breakown for road fuels exclusively is not available but they account for the bulk of receipts from oils in the years in question).
Turnover Tax and Wholesale Tax: The only year mentioned in the question in which those taxes were in force was 1970. The information requested for that year is not available in relation to those taxes. Goods vehicles were not liable to either tax. (Turnover tax was introduced in 1963 and wholesale tax in 1966. Both were abolished in 1972 on the introduction of VAT).
As regards the years 1980 to 1985 inclusive, I would refer the Deputy to the Official Reports as follows: 1980 to 1982 inclusive, Official Report for 5 March 1985, columns 1334-1338; 1983 and 1984, Official Report for 19 March 1986, columns 2151-2152; 1985, Official Report for 15 April 1986, columns 719-721. (Since 1978, receipts from Customs Duties form part of the Own Resources of the EC and are paid over to the Community. A refund of 10 per cent is made by the Community to cover collection costs).
VAT receipts in respect of repair and maintenance of motor vehicles for 1980-85 are set out in table 2. (These are not included in the figures published in the Official Reports mentioned above).
Road tax receipts for the years in question are set out in table 3.
Following are the tables:
Table 1
Total receipts from Customs and Excise duties as applicable on motor vehicles, motor vehicle parts and accessories, tyres and tubes and oils.
|
Year ending 31 March |
£ million |
|
1941 |
1.5 |
|
1951 |
5.2 |
|
1961 |
16.7 |
|
1971 |
57.2 |
Table 2
Motor Vehicle VAT Receipts — Repairs and Maintenance
Estimates of VAT receipts are as follows:
|
Year |
£ million |
|
1980 |
4.1 |
|
1981 |
6.28 |
|
1982 |
9.5 |
|
1983 |
10.17 |
|
1984 |
3.6 |
|
1985 |
6.38 |
The figures relate to motor cars and motor cycles. (The amount of VAT paid by public bodies in respect of motor vehicle repairs and maintenance is not included, because it cannot be identified). No information is available in relation to goods vehicles and other motor vehicles.
Table 3
Road Tax Receipts
The receipts are as follows:
|
Year |
£ million |
|
1939-40 |
1.14 |
|
1949-50 |
2.61 |
|
1959-60 |
5.87 |
|
1969-70 |
13.26 |
|
1980 |
22.50 |
|
1981 |
36.40 |
|
1982 |
67.68 |
|
1983 |
89.57 |
|
1984 |
104.75 |
|
1985 |
116.75 |
Minor charges such as those for driving licence fees etc., are included in the figures.