Motor Taxation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 January 2011

Wednesday, 12 January 2011

Ceisteanna (738)

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

790 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will liaise with licensing authorities in each county to discuss the possibility of introducing a direct debit facility for payment of motor tax which would assist motorists who cannot afford quarterly payments at the present time due to loss of earnings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1459/11]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

There is no provision in law for motor tax to be paid by direct debit instalments. An instalment system would be unwieldy and potentially costly in administrative terms. As well as the additional resource costs in monitoring payments and pursuing missed instalments, such a system could introduce an element of uncertainty in relation to the point at which liability for motor tax is discharged. I have no plans to introduce a direct debit facility for the payment of motor tax.