Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 86: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will re-instate the vehicle registration office service in Roscommon town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26043/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that new online service has greatly reduced the demand for personal service at their vehicle registration offices. An increasing number of motor dealers now register new vehicles online themselves — currently approximately 80% of such registrations nationally are online — in preference to using the facilities at vehicle registration offices. In addition, a valuation inquiry facility has been made available on the Revenue Commissioners' website, allowing all customers to obtain vehicle registration tax quotations on second-hand vehicles online.

Vehicle registration facilities ceased in Roscommon town with effect from 1 March 2005 and the service is now being provided from Galway, with service also available, if necessary, from neighbouring offices at Castlebar, Sligo and Tullamore. New procedures were introduced at that time which simplify and speed up the registration process for used vehicles. These new procedures eliminate the necessity to physically examine all such vehicles, as had been the case previously. The new arrangements also provide a facility for customers to register vehicles by post without the need to bring their vehicles to a Revenue office. These initiatives have greatly assisted the successful consolidation of vehicle registration services into the larger centres. The Revenue Commissioners do not consider it necessary to re-introduce a vehicle registration service in Roscommon town based on current service demands. The Roscommon-based Revenue staff will, however, continue to carry out other Revenue duties in the area.