Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:243. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the coach sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22271/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 8 September 2020
Ceisteanna (243)
Freagraí scríofa
Up to 2013, vehicles were declared off the road retrospectively.
The Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act came into effect on 1 July 2013. The primary purpose of the Act was to replace the system whereby a vehicle was declared off the road retrospectively with a system under which the vehicle must be declared off the road in advance.
Under these provisions introduced in 2013, a declaration must be made in the last month of an existing motor tax disc or renewed in the last month of a previously made declaration of non-use. The declaration can be made for any number of calendar months between 3 and 12 months i.e. it cannot be made for a period of 1 or 2 months. If a vehicle is subsequently required to be put back on the road, the declaration can be broken at any time simply by taxing the vehicle.
Where a declaration is not made in advance, arrears of motor tax must be paid in full and motor tax paid for a minimum of 3 months before a declaration of non-use can then be made in the final month of the tax disc.
There are no plans to re-introduce retrospective declarations of non-use, the cost of which, at the time of introduction of the legislation, was estimated at some €110m annually.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government has channelled significant Exchequer resources towards the introduction of an extensive range of supports for Covid-impacted businesses, including rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, business advisory supports, and, in recent weeks, supports for businesses impacted by local lockdowns. In terms of social protections, resources have been allocated to the continuation of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and Wage Subsidy Schemes into next year.