I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 112 together.
Motor tax can be paid annually, half-yearly or quarterly. Half-yearly or quarterly renewals involve additional costs to process and administer. Therefore, the rate for the half-yearly option is 55.5% of the annual rate, and, for the quarterly option, 28.25% of the annual rate. These ratios have remained generally consistent since the 1960s. The loss of income from equalising rates for these options would have a negative impact on motor tax revenue and would have to be borne elsewhere in the motor tax system or in the taxation system generally. The potential loss to the Exchequer has been estimated at just over €37m, based on the volume of transactions in 2021. Given the sum involved, any proposed reform of the current structure is a matter for consideration in the context of Budget preparations.