Paul McGrath
Ceist:85 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his plans to review VRT on vehicles purchased in other EU countries and imported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21386/02]
Written Answers. - Vehicle Registration Tax.
I have no particular plans to review VRT on imported vehicles.
The Deputy may be referring to a recent judgment of the European Court of Justice regarding the taxation of imported used cars. In this case the court held that the method of charging tax on used cars being imported into a particular member state – Finland – was contrary to Article 95 of the Treaty. It did not find that the charging of such tax in itself was contrary to EU legislation. In Ireland, VRT is not calculated on the same basis and, therefore, this ruling does not affect the Irish system.
The Deputy will be aware that VRT is an important source of revenue for the Exchequer.