Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I wish to raise a few points on the issue of payments. I am sure the Minister will agree that a very good motor tax on-line system is in operation, the take-up of which is increasing. It is a welcome development. Traditionally, people had to take almost a half day off work to have their cars taxed. This facility is working well throughout the country. What are the implications for the new dual system on the on-line system? Has the Minister taken that into account to reflect the additional IT resources or changes that may be needed to allow the system to continue to operate successfully, without any confusion with the new system?

With regard to the phased payment of motor tax, it is welcome that people can pay in three or six monthly instalments. Many people believe that the differential in the three or six monthly payment of motor tax for a full tax year versus the payment for a full year is more expensive. This is unfair to the less well off who probably cannot afford the full year payment. This matter should be looked at. What would it cost the Exchequer to ensure equality for the full year term versus the quarterly and half-year term? For the small amounts involved I do not see why there should be a differential. Nowadays people are budgeting and cutting their cloth to suit. Where people renew their motor tax on a three monthly or six monthly basis they should not have to pay more than those who pay for the full year.