Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Transport if the Government allows persons to undergo a driving test without taxing his vehicle; and if a directive in this regard has been sent out by his Department. [28496/04]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Difficulties in determining appropriate motor taxation rates for certain vehicles had resulted in driving test candidates being turned away and not having tests conducted. Following consultations with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government who are responsible for motor tax policy we were advised that the enforcement of motor tax law is a matter for the Garda Síochána. Accordingly, my Department recently issued a circular letter to driver testers instructing them not to check motor tax discs on vehicles presented for test with effect from 6 December 2004. Non-compliance with motor tax law will not in the future be considered to be a valid reason for refusing to take a driving test candidate out on test. Under the Road Traffic Acts, the role of a driver tester is to assess the driving competency of candidates presenting for a driving test. To avoid doubt the advice of the Attorney General is being sought on this matter.