Vol. 507 No. 1
20 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if he will reduce vehicle registration tax in the forthcoming budget in view of the fact that the Irish motorist is now among the most excessively taxed in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16090/99]
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it is not usual practice to signal in advance what changes, if any, to the tax code will be announced in a forthcoming budget. I do not accept that the Irish motorist is as excessively taxed as the Deputy claims. While Irish VAT and vehicle registration tax rates are relatively high by international standards, motor fuel taxes are significantly lower than those applied in the United Kingdom, for example.
