Enda Kenny
Ceist:193 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the number of used cars imported on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25441/98]
Written Answers - Vehicle Imports and Exports.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the net number of used cars registered in the State following importation over the past five years is as follows:
|
1994 |
35,491 |
|
1995 |
38,742 |
|
1996 |
41,530 |
|
1997 |
37,444 |
|
1998 |
31,708 |
|
(to end Oct.) |
Enda Kenny
Ceist:194 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if arrangements will be made to have a facility for the export of used cars in order to provide an outlet for this, in view of the pressure being caused on the used car market by virtue of significant import numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25443/98]
Since no motor vehicles are manufactured in the State, all vehicles registered, whether new or used, must be imported.
I understand from data supplied from the Revenue Commissioners that, to the end of October 1998, the number of second-hand cars registered in the State was 31,708 as compared to 32,328 for the same period last year. The number of such registrations has dropped slightly in recent years. This figure has to be seen against sales of 138,280 new cars to end of October 1998, up from 120,932 for the same period last year.
There may be a number of factors which affect the export of second-hand cars from the State. These may include the relative range and choice of second-hand cars in the State vis-à-vis those available in, for example, the United Kingdom, where there is a higher ratio of car ownership as well as higher car fleet ownership. That the UK has had for many years an “MOT test” may also militate against imports into that country from the State. I am sure the Deputy is aware that my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, recently announced the contractor for car testing here.
It would not be appropriate for me to introduce a facility which would subsidise the export of used cars from the State, if this is what the Deputy has in mind.